Introducing Naomi Girma, the Million-Dollar Woman of Soccer and the Highlight of Burberry's Tribute to Football Enthusiasm.

      On January 26, 2025, Naomi Girma made her mark in the history of women's soccer. With a transfer to Chelsea F.C., the 24-year-old from San Jose, California, became the first player ever to be sold for over a million dollars, earning her the title of soccer's million-dollar woman. Although players like Trinity Rodman from the Washington Spirit have since eclipsed that amount, Girma remains the trailblazer who broke the seven-figure barrier in her sport—a pivotal change that transformed not just her career, but her entire life—and she celebrated her 26th birthday just yesterday.

      Girma first captured attention during her time at Stanford, where she guided the Cardinal to two Pac-12 Championships and one NCAA Championship. Her impressive college career (2018 to 2021) led to her being drafted first overall by San Diego Wave FC in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Draft. In her debut season in the NWSL, she received the Rookie of the Year award, and the accolades continued to roll in. As a member of Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she played every minute of the six-game tournament, including the gold-medal match, where the U.S. triumphed over Brazil 1–0. Her standout performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup earned her the title of 2023 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Following this, Girma relocated from California to London as part of her historic four-and-a-half-year agreement with Chelsea, helping the club reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals and the FA Cup final.

      Now a certified Londoner, there was only one thing left for her to achieve: to star in a Burberry campaign. In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, Girma joined a group that included Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Romeo Beckham, Jodie Turner-Smith, Son Heung-min, Leah Williamson, Eberechi Eze, among others, in “A Good Sport,” a tribute by the British heritage brand to football fandom. "Burberry has such a strong legacy," Girma shared with Who What Wear. "To see that through the lens of the sport I love so much—the energy of match day, the fans, the culture around the game—felt really authentic."

      Off the pitch, Girma remains a product of the early 2000s, enjoying everyday activities like using an LED mask, going to the park with a vanilla latte and a good book, journaling, or watching TV. Discover more about her—from her personal style to her new life in London—below.

      What initially drew you to soccer? My parents emigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia, where soccer is hugely popular. Witnessing the appreciation for soccer within Ethiopian culture inspired my own love for the sport. Growing up in San Jose, California, my dad established a grassroots club so kids in our local Ethiopian community could bond on weekends. I loved it right away, but it wasn't until college that I seriously considered pursuing it professionally.

      You made your Olympic debut at the 2024 Games. What key takeaways did you have? That summer felt surreal. I've always had a passion for the Olympics, which my family and I used to watch together while I was growing up. A major takeaway was learning how to handle high-pressure situations. I reminded myself why I play—because I love it. This perspective made those important games feel enjoyable. Also, I learned the significance of teamwork and trusting my teammates; our chemistry was incredible, and that reliance on each other was crucial to our success.

      For those who might not be into soccer, how would you promote the sport? I’d emphasize that soccer is a beautiful game—it's simple, yet deeply complex. You really don't need much to play, just a ball and some space, which is a significant reason it's such a global connector. Even if you’re not into soccer, you can appreciate the energy, creativity, and emotion involved.

      The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from soccer is the importance of collaboration. You might be talented, but you can't succeed alone. The sport teaches you accountability, patience, communication, and how to cope with adversity. Those lessons go far beyond the field.

      How would you describe your personal style? If you could use three words to characterize your style, what would they be? I'd describe my style as relaxed, intentional, and classic. I gravitate towards pieces that seem effortless yet polished—comfortable items that allow movement but feature some structure or detail that make them special. If I had to choose three words, they would be clean, sleek, and timeless.

      How does your personal style influence your life and career? As an athlete, comfort is crucial to me. However, style is also a means of self-expression. Much of my life revolves around performance—training, recovery, travel, and