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

      On January 26, 2025, Naomi Girma made her mark in the history of women's soccer. At 24 years old, she was transferred to Chelsea F.C. for over a million dollars, becoming the first player in soccer history to achieve such a transfer fee, and thus earning the title of soccer's million-dollar woman. While players like Trinity Rodman from the Washington Spirit have since surpassed her, Girma will always be recognized for breaking the seven-figure barrier in her sport, a landmark moment that transformed her sport, her career, and her life—especially since she just celebrated her 26th birthday yesterday. Girma gained recognition during her time at Stanford, where she led the Cardinal to two Pac-12 Championships and one NCAA Championship. Her college achievements (from 2018 to 2021) paved the way for her to be the first overall pick by San Diego Wave FC in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Draft. In her inaugural NWSL season, she earned the Rookie of the Year title, and the accolades continued to roll in. Selected for 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. Following an impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she was awarded the 2023 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Since then, Girma has relocated from California to London as part of her groundbreaking four-and-a-half-year agreement with Chelsea, helping the team reach both the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals and the FA Cup final. Now officially a Londoner, she has one more achievement to add: starring in a Burberry campaign. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Girma partnered with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Romeo Beckham, Jodie Turner-Smith, Son Heung-min, Leah Williamson, Eberechi Eze, and more in A Good Sport, a tribute by the British heritage brand to football fans. "Burberry has such a strong legacy," Girma tells Who What Wear. "Experiencing that through the lens of the sport I adore—the match day energy, the fans, the culture around the game—felt incredibly authentic." Off the pitch, Girma, who grew up in the early 2000s, enjoys many everyday activities like using an LED mask, visiting parks 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.

      (Image credit: Timothy Hurst/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post/Getty Images; Ali Painter/WSL/The FA/Getty Images; Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

      What first drew you to playing soccer?

      My parents emigrated from Ethiopia, where soccer is a huge part of the culture. Witnessing the deep appreciation for the sport in Ethiopia sparked my own love for it. Growing up in San Jose, California, my dad began a grassroots club to connect kids in the local Ethiopian community on weekends. I loved it from the start, but it wasn't until college that I truly considered pursuing it professionally.

      You made your Olympic debut at the 2024 Games. What were your biggest takeaways?

      That summer felt surreal. I've always had a passion for the Olympics and we watched it as a family when I was growing up. One key takeaway was learning to handle high-pressure situations. I remembered that I play because I love it, which made those crucial games feel enjoyable. Another realization was the importance of teamwork and trust among teammates. Our team gelled really well; we had built strong connections and relied on each other, which was pivotal to our success.

      For those who might not be into soccer, what would you tell them about the sport? Or share a key lesson you’ve learned from soccer?

      Soccer is a beautiful sport because, despite its simplicity, it has profound depth. You really only need a ball and a bit of space to play, which is part of what connects people globally. Even if someone isn’t a soccer fan, they can appreciate its energy, creativity, and emotion.

      The greatest lesson I've learned from soccer is the significance of collaboration. You might possess talent, but success isn’t achievable in isolation. The game teaches accountability, patience, communication, and how to handle setbacks. Those lessons extend well beyond the pitch.

      How would you characterize your personal style? If you had to choose three words to define it, what would they be?

      I would describe my style as relaxed, intentional, and classic. I prefer pieces that look effortless yet refined—comfortable and easy to move in, but with a bit of structure or detail that makes them feel special. If I had to pick three words, they would be clean, sleek, and timeless.

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