By Marta Elena Casanova
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Women’s football has finally entered the realm of true professionalism — not just in words, but in numbers. And the clearest sign comes from the market: record-breaking transfers that, in recent years, have begun to reshape the rules of the game. The figures are no longer symbolic — they’re starting to speak the language of major investments. Even in Italy, something is beginning to change.
Naomi Girma: the first million-euro transfer
The most expensive transfer in women’s football history happened recently. In January 2025, Naomi Girma, central defender for the U.S. national team, was signed by Chelsea from the San Diego Wave for $1.12 million (about €1.03 million). It was the first time such a figure had been paid for a female player — and it marks a new era for the game.
Born in 2000, Girma is considered one of the most complete defenders in the world. Chelsea’s investment is not only about her skills, but also her media appeal and leadership potential. It’s a sports and commercial decision, just like in the men’s game.
Racheal Kundananji: the trailblazer
Before Girma, the record belonged to Racheal Kundananji, a forward from Zambia. In February 2024, Bay FC — a new NWSL franchise — paid €735,000 to Madrid CFF, with an additional €75,000 in performance-related bonuses. Total potential: €810,000. It was a landmark deal, again coming from the United States — the traditional powerhouse of women’s football.
Kundananji is young, explosive, and physically dominant. Her signing drew attention worldwide and proved that female forwards can command major fees — in line with the growing professionalism of the game.
Pernille Harder and Keira Walsh: earlier European milestones
Before the U.S. market boom, two names led the charts: Pernille Harder and Keira Walsh. The Danish star moved from Wolfsburg to Chelsea in 2020 for about €350,000, while Walsh moved from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022 for €460,000. Those deals once seemed astronomical — but now they’ve been surpassed.
Italy: still behind, but moving forward
And what about Italy? The market has yet to reach million-euro deals, but since the introduction of professional status in 2022, things are moving. Top clubs like Roma, Juventus, and Milan have begun to invest more seriously in their women’s squads.
One standout signing was Evelyne Viens from Canada, who quickly made an impact at Roma. Players like Lindsey Thomas, Gloria Marinelli, and Sofie Junge Pedersen have also added value to a league that’s becoming more competitive each season.
Italy’s strategy, however, still relies heavily on youth development and smart recruitment rather than big-money transfers. The goal is to grow the league’s overall value step by step.
Beyond the numbers: a shift in mentality
These transfers are about money, yes — but more importantly, they reflect a cultural shift. Female footballers are no longer invisible figures: they are stars, brands, and valuable assets. Clubs are beginning to understand that building a strong women’s team is not a cost, but an investment in identity, reach, and future success.
With increasing audiences, sponsors, and media coverage, the million-euro threshold — now surpassed by Girma — may soon become the new normal. The future is already here, and the transfer market is catching up.
By Marta Elena Casanova
