Who is Naomi Girma? Chelsea defender making long-awaited return to USWNT squad

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·20. November 2025

Who is Naomi Girma? Chelsea defender making long-awaited return to USWNT squad

Chelsea’s Naomi Girma has struggled with injuries throughout her time in London, but she is finally back and returning to the USWNT squad almost immediately.

Girma made her season debut for Chelsea just one week ago and already she is back in contention for the upcoming international break.

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Naomi Girma calf injury

After signing for Chelsea in January 2025, expectations were high for Naomi Girma.

However her start to life in England was far from ideal as Girma announced she was struggling with a calf problem.

The defender managed to make her recovery for a debut in March but after just under an hour on the pitch she was withdrawn – limping off the pitch with her calf continuing to bother the USA international.

Girma returned for the end of last season but she wasn’t quite herself even during the FA Cup Final which Chelsea won with ease.

In summer the American headed off to international duty and played in four friendlies, but when returning to London Girma once again had problems with her calf.

Defender Naomi Girma will return to the United States national team for the first time in nearly five months for a pair of upcoming friendly matches against Italy. The 26-player roster doesn't feature forward Trinity Rodman, who returned to the field briefly on Saturday for the
– Mittwoch, 19. November 2025

The 25-year-old was forced to miss out on the start of the season for both club and country.

Girma finally made her season debut last week in the Champions League and she looked back to her very best against St-Polten.

The defender is sure to start again for Sonia Bompastor against Barcelona on Thursday before making her return to the USWNT squad.

Emma Hayes looking forward to Girma return

Speaking after announcing her squad, USWNT coach Emma Hayes was evidently buzzing to have Girma back.

“I’m just so happy she’s back… I realize more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership – not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well.” Hayes said.