FootyPop: Naomi Girma Signs With Chelsea
In this week’s news, Naomi Girma is headed to Chelsea; the NWSL schedule was released; Jean Beattie announced her retirement; and more!
High of the Week
On Sunday, Chelsea announced the signing of USWNT star defender Naomi Girma. News of the move had been circulating throughout the week, but it’s official now. At a rumored $1.1 million, it’s the largest transfer fee ever for a women’s soccer player. She signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
It’s official. ✍️
Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025
Low of the Week
This week there was some more retirement news with Jen Beattie and Michelle Betos announcing that they’re hanging up their boots after long careers.
Super Jen, forever. 🫶#BayFC Defender Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from professional football. We wish you the best in your next chapter! Thank you, Jen, for everything!
Read the full announcement here: https://t.co/LzAF6mnLiS#BLegendary pic.twitter.com/2OISMddOo0
— Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) January 21, 2025
News of the Week
The full 2025 NWSL schedule was released this week. The regular season officially kicks off on Friday, March 14 with the Houston Dash hosting the Washington Spirit and the Orlando Pride hosting Chicago Stars FC. The league will take the entire month of July off. This season we’ll also have an NWSL Rivalry Weekend and Decision Day is back.
The 2025 NWSL season kicks off soon 👀
Tell your squad and grab your gear the season is almost here 😏 pic.twitter.com/kqcVPtWZzP
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 22, 2025
Signing of the Week
Kerolin won’t be returning to the North Carolina Courage as the forward signed with Manchester City through 2028. Kerolin had previously been with the Courage since 2022 but was a free agent this offseason.
We’re delighted to welcome @kerolinnicolii to the Club on a permanent deal 🩵 pic.twitter.com/mHBE13LOPR
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 22, 2025
Transfer of the Week
Deyna Castellanos was released from her contract with Bay FC and signed with the Portland Thorns. The forward signed a two-year deal with the Thorns with an option for a third year. It’s a big signing for the Thorns and she’ll be an immediate impact for the club’s attack.
📰 | We have acquired Venezuelan international forward Deyna Castellanos from Bay FC through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.
¡Bienvenida, Deyna! 👏
More here: https://t.co/dkvdcSMytr pic.twitter.com/gwXYq4198A
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) January 25, 2025
Team of the Week
Chelsea got a massive 1-0 win against Arsenal to keep them at the top of the table and extend their unbeaten streak this season. They also had their largest crowd ever for a WSL game Stamford Bridge with 34,302 fans in attendance.
PURE PASSION! 😱#CFCW pic.twitter.com/Cl1QHnQv0r
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025
Goal of the Week
Viviane Miedemma hit a terrific goal for Manchester City against Aston Villa. The forward received a pass right outside the box, took an impressive turn to get a look at goal, and then hit a long-range shot into the top of the net.
What. A. Goal! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nLQiUPcshr
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 26, 2025
Player of the Week
Bethany England found the back of the net for Tottenham in their 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. With the goal, she became the first player ever in the WSL to score against every team that has been a part of the league.
Into the #BarclaysWSL history books! 📖
Bethany England has now scored against every club to have played in the league 🌟 pic.twitter.com/aLvCs0BWlt
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 26, 2025
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
