Women's soccer has its first million-dollar player. Here's how the record fee has grown over the years

United States defender Naomi Girma has made history as the first million-dollar player in women’s soccer. The 24-year-old completed her transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for a record-breaking $1.1 million (900,000 pounds) on Sunday.

Girma’s move marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s football, as the sport sees an increasing rise in transfer fees. Here’s a look at how record-breaking transfers have shaped the women’s game over the years:

2002: Milene Domingues

The Brazilian midfielder became the first high-value transfer in women’s soccer when she moved from Fiammamonza in Italy to Rayo Vallecano in Spain for $310,000.

2020: Pernille Harder

Nearly two decades later, Denmark forward Pernille Harder set a new benchmark. She transferred from German side Wolfsburg to Chelsea in England for $355,000 (300,000 euros).

2022: Keira Walsh

The record fee jumped again when England midfielder Keira Walsh left Manchester City to join Barcelona. Her transfer was valued at $513,000 (400,000 pounds).

2024 (January): Mayra Ramirez

The Colombia forward moved from Levante in Spain to Chelsea for $542,000 (500,000 euros), making waves in the January transfer window.

2024 (February): Rachael Kundananji

Just a month before Girma’s transfer, Zambia striker Rachael Kundananji joined Bay FC in the United States from Madrid CFF in Spain. The deal was worth $788,000.

Inputs from AP