Naomi Girma’s Chelsea journey so far is definitely not how the playbook was written. Since arriving at the Southwest London club in January 2025, the USWNT star has faced significant challenges along the way. From adapting to a different league atmosphere—while dealing with injuries and the pressure of living up to her $1 million price tag—to navigating off-pitch cultural adjustments, the past few months haven’t been easy. While all of this has made her a target for criticism, the good news is that Girma doesn’t “think of the weight of what’s happening.”

Well, that’s the least the 24-year-old can do. Ask any Chelsea fan—from the moment she was announced as the most expensive women’s player in history, the truth is, the former San Diego Wave star hasn’t been able to live up to expectations. Then again, as concerning as that may sound, the best defender in the world, at least in Emma Hayes’ view, is certainly aware of all eyes on her. Yet, surprisingly, her only response has been to remain as calm and composed as possible.

“I think, as an athlete, you always want to be playing on the biggest stage and you want to be playing the biggest games,” Naomi Girma said on the occasion of becoming the face of the June 2025 issue of British Vogue. “I try to be in the moment and not think of the weight of what’s happening. There’s still nerves – there will be nerves forever – but there’s more excitement.”

Even if one would allege that Girma feels the pressure on her shoulder, it’s remarkable how well the former NWSL star doesn’t let it show. Well, isn’t that the one true nature of a warrior? In fact, it only showcases how hungry she is to make her mark at her new club. But unfortunately, the road has been quite shaky for her.

Since her high-profile move, Naomi Girma has struggled to find consistent minutes on the pitch. Her WSL debut in March was cut short just 59 minutes in after the former San Diego Wave star was forced off the field with a persistent calf issue. The injury has kept her out of action for an extended period, causing her to miss several key fixtures for both club and country.

Girma eventually returned to the lineup in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Barcelona, but the comeback didn’t go as hoped. Chelsea suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat, with much of the criticism falling on Girma. Still, many were quick to come to her defense amidst the backlash.

Fortunately, since her European debut, Girma has gradually worked her way into the starting XI—coming on as a substitute in the following games against Crystal Palace and the second leg versus Barcelona, while playing full matches against Manchester United and Liverpool, and coming off the bench against Tottenham. She ended her short 2024 WSL campaign with just five appearances—but at least with a WSL trophy in hand.

This Sunday, expect her to feature in the FA Women’s Cup final against Manchester United, in what could be a chance to lift her second trophy with the Blues. While this suggests that Girma has begun to find her footing in the big games she’s been eager to play, one can’t help but wonder how life off the pitch has been treating her.

Naomi Girma didn’t expect herself to face this ‘Shock’

One day, if you decide to leave your comfort zone and relocate halfway across the world, we shall warn you that challenges are bound to follow. So it’s natural for someone like Naomi Girma to feel the same since the endearing United States to the United Kingdom shift. “Culturally, I mean there are so many changes when you move countries,” Girma once told Forbes in an interview.

Despite sharing a common language, she still finds certain words and phrases hard to grasp. “Obviously, the same language, but I think there are some words in there where I’m like, ‘What does that mean? I’ve never heard that.’” We reckon that’s true mate! Then again, it’s not something that she is letting herself be affected by as the “Secretary of Defense” is embracing the experience with an open mind.

All eyes are on the new season to see how exactly it unfolds for Naomi Girma.