The world’s first million-dollar women’s soccer player is back with the USWNT after months of injury struggles
After a year marked by a historic transfer, persistent injuries, and championship success at the club level, Naomi Girma is finally back where she belongs: on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster.
The 25-year-old center back was named to manager Emma Hayes’ 26-player squad for the team’s final two matches of 2025 against Italy, scheduled for November 28 in Orlando and December 1 in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a welcome sight for American soccer fans who have watched the team navigate much of the year without their most dominant defender.
A Record-Breaking Move, Then Setbacks
Girma’s 2025 began with a groundbreaking moment for women’s soccer. In January, Chelsea announced her signing for a reported $1.1 million, making her the first women’s soccer player to break the million-dollar transfer barrier. The move from the San Diego Wave to the English champions was supposed to launch a new chapter in her career.
“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” Girma said upon her arrival. “There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here — the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.”
But a series of calf injuries disrupted what should have been a triumphant debut season in England. In the 11 months since her move, she has made just six Women’s Super League and three UEFA Women’s Champions League appearances for the Blues. Her national team minutes were similarly limited — Girma has made just four appearances for the USWNT in 2025, with her last outing coming in a 3-0 win over Canada in July.
“She Called and Texted Me Several Times”
When Hayes announced the roster for the Italy friendlies, the relief in her voice was palpable. “First of all, I’m just happy she’s back,” Hayes told reporters. “I realize more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership, not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well.”
The defender’s eagerness to rejoin her teammates was equally evident. “Before we had to put forward the provisional roster, [Girma] made sure she called and texted me several times to say, ‘I’m fit, I’m coming,'” Hayes said, smiling. “Like, I don’t know why she’d think that we wouldn’t bring her anyway if she’s fit and healthy.”
Girma started for Chelsea in a Champions League win over St. Pölten on November 11, then played 45 minutes against Liverpool in Women’s Super League action — clear signs that her fitness has finally stabilized.
A Security Blanket Returns
For Hayes, Girma represents far more than a talented center back. She is widely regarded as the best player on the roster and serves as the team’s vice-captain behind Lindsey Heaps. During the Paris Olympics in 2024, Hayes famously described her as “the best defender I’ve ever seen.”
The USWNT has maintained a strong record in her absence, going 10-3-0 in 2025. But defensive partnerships have been in flux, and the team has missed the composure and commanding presence that Girma provides from the back line.
“Like I said, I think we missed some of that leadership and that experience at the international level,” Hayes acknowledged. “Naomi will be the first person in camp. She is so excited to get back with the team.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The two matches against Italy serve as more than just a bookend to 2025. “It’s been an exciting and important year for our group, and we’ve accomplished a lot of goals, expanded the player pool and made strides in our game model, so this camp will be an extension of that, but it will also set the groundwork for 2026, which will be our World Cup qualifying year,” Hayes said.
For Girma, these friendlies offer a chance to shake off the rust and rebuild the rhythm that made her the most sought-after defender in the world. For the USWNT, her return is a reminder that even after a challenging year, their defensive anchor is ready to lead them into the battles ahead.
