Chelsea Women confirm signing of USA defender Naomi Girma | OneFootball

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Chelsea Women have confirmed the signing of USA international centre-back Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave.

Capped by the United States 44 times, she was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2023 and won the gold medal at last year’s Olympics, where she played every minute of the tournament.

She made over 60 appearances for San Diego Wave and became the first player to be named both NWSL Defender of the Year and NWSL Rookie of the Year in their debut season.

Girma told chelseafc.com: ‘I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.

‘There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here – the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.

‘Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do. It was an easy choice for me.’

Head of women’s football Paul Green added: ‘‘Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

“Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game coupled with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad.”

Blackburn Rovers Women peg back Sunderland