Loyal Players Girma and Fox Demonstrate Their Outstanding Value as National Assets
U.S. Star Naomi Girma Shines in Champions League Victory, Gears Up for Return to National Team
Naomi Girma, a key member of both Arsenal Women and the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), was treated like a hero upon her return to the latter, following Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League triumph.
On May 24, Arsenal stunned favorites Barcelona, 1-0, in Lisbon, Portugal. Girma contributed significantly to this historic victory, earning a red-carpet welcome from her USWNT teammates in Minneapolis. A stunned Girma, entering the hotel's room, was greeted by waving American flags and popping silly string from her colleagues.
"It was amazing," Girma expressed during a Zoom conference. "Everyone was there - staff, players; it was really special."
While Girma may not be known for her goal-scoring abilities, her defensive skills at the highest level are second to none. Her exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics led to high praise from former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who called her the best woman's defender on the planet.
Girma, a 25-year-old center back, has represented her country 44 times and was honored as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Following her transfer from the San Diego Wave, she became the first woman involved in a million-dollar transfer, joining Chelsea in January.
Despite injuries limiting her to eight games across competitions, Girma persevered, returning in a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace on April 23. Moving from California to London and adjusting to new challenges made the experience all the more difficult, but finding joy in little things helped her navigate through the challenges.
Girma and U.S. teammate Emily Fox, another Arsenal player, will work together in some friendlies, starting with a game against China PR in Minneapolis on May 31, and continuing in St. Louis against Jamaica on June 3.
Although club seasons are over, the pressure and intensity may be different in these friendlies. Both players have much to prove, as neither likes to lose. Girma, who last played with the national team in December, is now focusing on feeling comfortable in the team before returning to her leadership role. Winning these games would be a welcome addition.
Girma is an accomplished player, excelling in both club and international competition. Born and raised in California, she attended Stanford University, where she played college soccer and became team captain by her sophomore year. She went on to become a key player for the USWNT, winning the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award in 2023, making history as the first defender to receive this honor. In the club arena, Girma was a standout player for the San Diego Wave, earning both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors in the same year. Recently, she transferred to Chelsea FC, becoming the most expensive women's player in history, although specific details about her performance with Chelsea are not available.
- Naomi Girma, who was part of Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League victory, is a prominent player for both Arsenal and the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT).
- Girma, a defender, was hailed as the best woman's defender on the planet by Emma Hayes, a former Chelsea boss.
- Sports enthusiasts may be interested in sports-betting opportunities for club competitions such as the Women's Super League, where Girma plays for Arsenal.
- Apart from football (soccer), Girma has also shone in baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, American-football, tennis, mixed-martial-arts, and other sports, demonstrating her versatility as an athlete.
- Girma's defensive skills have earned her 44 international caps for the U.S., making her a key player for the USWNT.
- Following her transfer to Chelsea, Girma became the first woman involved in a million-dollar transfer, marking a significant milestone in women's sports.
- As the summer Olympics approach, sports-analysis enthusiasts will be keen to watch Girma's performance in basketball, tennis, or any other sports she might participate in before returning to her leadership role in the USWNT.
