Girma on his golden year, the resurgence of the US, and Morgan's legacy.

A shining star of North American soccer. Photo credit: FIFA.

Emma Hayes showered Naomi Girma with praise during the US Women's Olympic Football Tournament. She described the 24-year-old as having 'it all,' highlighting her calmness, composure, and leadership qualities as a central defender."

When FIFA aired Hayes' comments to Girma, it became clear that grace and humility were additional virtues possessed by the California-born star.

Sporting a golden smile. Photo credit: FIFA

Girma was a standout player at Paris 2024, playing every minute of the US's six matches. Her unwavering determination and inspiring leadership were evident as her team fought hard for 1-0 victories in all three knockout stage matches. 'I'm extremely proud of that,' she said. 'I feel like we got better as the tournament went on. I grew up watching the Olympics, so it was really exciting to represent the US there. Winning gold made it even more special. As a group, I feel like we really bonded. We hadn't played together much, we hadn't played under Emma for very long, but we had great energy on and off the field

Golden mindset

Girma has been a dominant force on a US team that has reasserted itself as the world's best in 2024. In addition to the Olympic gold, the Americans also claimed the SheBelieves Cup and the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup, and reclaimed the top spot in the FIFA Women's World Ranking. This relentless streak of success comes after a challenging 2023, when the US suffered a surprising round-of-16 exit at the FIFA Women's World Cup

Last year was a year of transition," said Girma. "For many of us, it was our first time playing in a major tournament. This year, building confidence in our younger players was key for us.

Emma's arrival before the Olympics, bringing her playing style and energy, was also very important. We built a belief that we could win big games and major tournaments

For Girma, 2024 has been a year of significant milestones. In addition to winning multiple titles, she captained her country for the first time, wearing the armband when regular captain Lindsey Horan was absent

The San Diego Wave defender also scored her first goals for the senior national team. After 41 caps for the United States without finding the net, she managed two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Argentina in October. Girma was mobbed by her equally excited teammates as she celebrated the goals, and she explained how that reaction reflects the team's collective mentality.

"We were all so excited and surprised!" she said. "It was so funny. When I scored the second one, we were all like, 'What's happening?' With this group, I feel like I'm just hanging out and playing soccer with my friends. We're always there to celebrate each other's successes." Podría haber otro logro significativo para Girma en el horizonte. Fue una de las cinco jugadoras de EE. UU. —junto con Lindsey Horan, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith y Mallory Swanson— nominadas al premio The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award.

Girma's career has been on an upward trajectory since making her debut for the US senior national team in 2022. As she explained, her progress is fueled by an insatiable hunger to improve.

She said, 'That desire to work hard and the determination to keep improving is what I love about soccer. I feel like it's always been a part of me, and it's something that will never go away.'

"We'll definitely represent the defensive line well!" she laughed. "Sometimes we can go under the radar because we're not the ones scoring all the goals, but we're still crucial pieces of the team!"

 "Alyssa Naeher, symbol of the US goal. Credit: USWNT.

On the other hand, Girma's US teammate, Alyssa Naeher, was nominated for The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper Award. The 36-year-old goalkeeper recently announced her international retirement, bringing an end to a brilliant career with the US national team.

Having Alyssa as a guiding voice behind me really helped me settle into the team," Girma said. "Knowing that you have someone so good behind you always makes you feel more confident. It's incredible how good she still is even as she retires from international football. Off the field, she's a great person. She has embodied what it means to be a US women's national team player.

Although Naeher will continue playing at club level with the Chicago Red Stars, US legend Alex Morgan hung up her boots for good in September. Girma developed a strong bond with Morgan during their time together at the San Diego Wave and the national team, and paid tribute to the 'huge' impact the two-time World Cup winner has had on the sport.

While Naeher will continue her club career with the Chicago Red Stars, US legend Alex Morgan retired from international football in September. Girma, who formed a strong bond with Morgan during their time together at the San Diego Wave and the national team, praised Morgan's 'huge' impact on the sport.

The legend celebrating the gold medal in Paris. Photo credit: FIFA.

"Alex has been at the top of women's soccer for so long and has had the spotlight on her for many years," Girma said. "That's not easy. She's used that position to do so much good for women's soccer and women's sports."

The medals she's won speak for themselves, of course. But I think she really changed the game for women's soccer. I always tell her, 'I feel so lucky to have turned pro and joined the team when I did, because so many battles had already been fought.' Now it's up to us to carry on her legacy. Source FIFA.COM