Age: 24 Position: Defender Teams: San Diego Wave and United States
Defenders can often fly under the radar, but that’s not the case for Naomi Girma.
Described as “the best defender I have ever seen” by United States head coach Emma Hayes, Girma has impressed for both club and country.
The 24-year-old, whose parents were both born in Ethiopia, made history in January when she became the first defender in history to win the US women’s player of the year award.
She played every minute in her nation’s run to Olympic gold and the centre-back, known for her composure on the ball and leadership qualities, was widely considered on of the USA’s most pivotal players during the tournament.
The United States’ triumph in Paris wrapped up a remarkable treble in 2024 after their success in the Concacaf Gold Cup and the She Believes Cup earlier in the year.
There was similar success for Girma at club level as she marshalled the backline for San Diego Wave as they collected the NWSL shield and Challenge Cup.
What was it like to win Olympic gold in Paris?
“It was such a special tournament. It was a special group of players and to come in off of a coaching transition and play the way we did and end up on top was really amazing.
“It just felt like such a good ending for us.”
How has her Ethiopian heritage influenced her career?
“My parents were both born in Ethiopia and they came to the US in their early 20s. My dad came as a refugee. He fled to Sudan and then came to California and my mum came to the US for her education.
“So Ethiopian heritage, the culture, the food, the language, everything. The community has been such a big part of my upbringing in San Jose, California – we had a big community there. It’s how I started playing soccer.
“It’s still a big part of who I am today.”
What is it she loves about being a defender?
“There’s so much strategy that I love that goes into it and I think there is a technique. There’s reading the play, but also you’re just always doing things for the team.
“It’s such a collaborative effort for us to be successful. It’s a lot less individual than I think it can be in the front at times.”
What does she want her legacy to be?
“We talked about being a winner, but also just being a good team-mate. Looking back on teams I’ve played on, I always remember my favourite team-mates and the people who always showed up for other people and just gave their best every day.
“I definitely want to leave the game better than I found it, so hopefully anything I can do to help that.
“And then off the field just being someone who is vocal and uses my platform to speak on things that are really important to me, and hopefully to speak out on things that can help change other people’s lives and make them feel seen and heard and I care.”
United States head coach Emma Hayes: “She is the best defender I have ever seen. She has got everything, poise, composure, she defends, she anticipates, she leads.”
United States team-mate Sophia Smith: “The best defender in the world. She is the glue to our team.”
Former United States player Sydney Leroux: “Naomi Girma is the best we’ve seen and defenders never get the attention they deserve but she is absolutely HER.”
Girma played for a local club her father formed for Ethiopian immigrants and their families in 2005
She grew up playing basketball and doing gymnastics
She has worked with charity Common Goal to launch mental health programmes including a retreat for NWSL players
She was the number one pick overall in the 2022 NWSL draft
