The coming years are set to be crucial for the U.S. Women’s National Team. After regaining their dominance following the 2023 World Cup upset by clinching gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, their focus now shifts to upcoming major tournaments—most notably the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics. With so much at stake, it begs the question: aside from Emma Hayes as head coach, who fits the bill to lead the players on the pitch? While there’s no definitive answer, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn appear to have placed their trust firmly in Naomi Girma.

Since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, the center-back has established herself as one of the most sought-after talents of the sport. That became abundantly clear when Chelsea paid a record-breaking transfer fee of over $1 million, making her the most expensive player in the women’s game. While some may question the hefty price tag, it’s worth noting that Girma has managed to leave even the biggest icons of the beautiful game in awe.

“I know nothing is as easy as Naomi makes it look, but my God she glides around the pitch as if she’s out for a Sunday stroll,” Megan Rapinoe once told British Vogue editor Kerry McDermott as Girma was made aware of the remark during a recent exclusive interview. It was held to celebrate the former San Diego Wave star being named the face of the magazine’s June 2025 issue.

In fact, not just the great Rapinoe; even retired center-back and fellow American Becky Sauerbrunn also sang praises to Kerry McDermott about Naomi. “She’s an absolute force,” said the former Portland Thorns, something which might be music to Girma’s ears as she considers Sauerbrunn as one of her inspirations.

Well, that explains why the Blues star is now basking in the glory of her superstar status. “Someone who has the compassion and intelligence to be a wonderful leader of people, the vision and timing to do whatever she wants on a field and make it look easy, and the self-awareness and drive to bring everyone along with her,” added Becky.

Don’t you agree? Well, we certainly do. And come to think of it, around the time Sauerbrunn announced her retirement, the 39-year-old named Girma as one of the ideal torchbearers to carry the team’s legacy forward—even though she ranked second behind Sam Coffey.

Still, you get the gist: Becky had clearly given Naomi the green light to take the reins. And it’s not just her or Pinoe. Even a decorated player like Alex Morgan—who has shared the locker room with the 24-year-old defender both in the national setup and at San Diego Wave—would proudly shout any day, “Go on, Naomi Girma!”

Well, this is how the former players and icons feel about Girma, but what about those who are currently sharing a space with her? And more importantly, is she really worth the hype?

Is Naomi Girma the next leader of the USWNT?

The reason there’s still some doubt surrounding the center-back’s leadership is her current form. Sure, her impeccable defending during the Summer Games helped the USWNT concede only two goals across the six-game tournament—something truly worthy of the history books. That momentum even carried into a few friendlies, where she scored a brace against Argentina.

Though Girma faced setbacks on the domestic front, 2025 kicked off emphatically with her high-profile move to Chelsea. However, a lingering calf injury has not only disrupted her fresh start in London but has also affected her national team journey. And while the current atmosphere is clouded with criticism, this is when her national teammates have chosen to speak up.

“She’s just an incredible player, but an incredible human as well. I think that she deserves everything good in this world,” Biyendolo said on an episode of The Women’s Game podcast. The 31-year-old believes Girma is far too humble and should start making regular self-affirmations like, “Yeah I’m really good. I’m really talented and I deserve this.” 

Further giving her fellow teammate the title of the best defender in the world, Biyendolo added that even Girma herself may not fully grasp just how remarkably talented she truly is. “Girma is an unreal defender and an unreal human being,” concluded Biyendolo.

Just the positive talkers Naomi Girma needs to surround herself with, don’t you think?