Naomi Girma insists Chelsea have another level to reach despite sweeping the board last season with a historic domestic treble. The American defender believes the focus is not on protecting their crown, but on pushing boundaries and continuing to evolve as a team.
Chelsea’s unbeaten Women’s Super League campaign was matched with FA Cup and League Cup success, but Girma maintains performances could have been better. For her, the driving force is a relentless mentality – one she identifies as “never give up, fight until the last minute.” It’s an ethos she has carried from her time with the US national team and one that she says is embedded in Chelsea’s culture.
Arriving from San Diego Wave in January with a record-breaking transfer fee, Girma faced immediate challenges. Joining mid-season during her NWSL off-season meant adjusting quickly, while injuries tested her resilience. Still, she stresses that her long-term commitment was always clear. “This wasn’t about six months; it’s about building over four years,” she says, underlining her desire to grow at Chelsea.
The move from California to London was as much about pushing herself as it was about footballing ambition. Having spent her entire life in the US, she saw the switch as a chance to step out of her comfort zone. Recommendations from compatriots, including Catarina Macario, reinforced her decision, with the club’s culture, London lifestyle, and competitive edge all key factors.
Girma admits the January transition was tough but also rewarding. Being “thrown in” forced her to adapt quickly and build relationships on the pitch. Now, with a full pre-season behind her, she feels fully integrated and ready for the challenges ahead. The cold English weather was the biggest shock, she laughs, though family visits and new hobbies like painting have helped her settle off the pitch.
She continues to balance her club ambitions with wider projects, including her work with Common Goal on mental health support for players – something she describes as one of her proudest achievements.
On the pitch, working with manager Sonia Bompastor, herself a former defender, has been invaluable. Girma highlights the detailed defensive insights that help refine her game and sharpen Chelsea’s back line. With that added edge, Chelsea look set not just to defend their treble but to raise the bar even higher.
