From Antioquia to Riyadh with No Apologies, Plus The First Million-Dollar Star
By Danial Golforoush
Durán’s Move: Don’t Judge It, Understand It
Jhon Durán’s journey from the streets of Medellín to the bright lights of Riyadh is a remarkable tale of ambition, talent, and foresight. Born in Zaragoza, Antioquia, and raised in Medellín’s Aranjuez neighborhood, Durán’s footballing journey began at Envigado, a club known for producing Colombian talent. By 15, he was already breaking records, and his talent quickly carried him from the MLS with Chicago Fire to the Premier League with Aston Villa. Last summer, both Chelsea and PSG showed interest, but it was Unai Emery’s promise of more game time that convinced Durán to stay with Villa. Now, at just 21 years old, Durán has made the bold move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, in a deal worth up to £71 million.
Critics have been quick to question his decision, labeling it as purely financially driven and suggesting it marks a step backward in his career. However, a deeper look reveals a more strategic rationale behind the move. At Villa, Durán was often relegated to a secondary role behind Ollie Watkins, despite showing flashes of brilliance with crucial goals, including a memorable brace against Liverpool and a Champions League winner against Bayern Munich. The opportunity to secure financial stability while stepping into a more prominent role at Al-Nassr, surrounded by global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, makes the move more understandable.
Football, at its core, is both a sport and a business. While fans often romanticize loyalty and long-term commitment to clubs, the reality is that players must make decisions that serve their best interests. If a 21-year-old professional in any industry were offered a significantly higher salary and greater career stability, few would question their choice. Durán’s move is not only about securing his financial future, it’s also about furthering his development. Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in youth development, player care, and state-of-the-art training facilities, all of which provide Durán with an environment for growth.
With the £300K per week salary, Durán has set himself up for life, ensuring long-term financial security. Football is a short career, and this early financial stability will allow him to retire comfortably in the future. However, his decision also ensures continuous development as a player. The opportunity to train with some of the best, including Ronaldo and Mané, will enhance his skills. And even if he spends several years in Saudi Arabia, Durán will likely return to European football more experienced, retaining his status as one of the game’s top players.
Critics often suggest that Durán shouldn’t prioritize a larger paycheck, but it’s important to recognize that such decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. In a landscape where clubs frequently offload players when it suits them, it’s only fair for players to take control of their futures. Durán himself has expressed that his move was not solely financially motivated. The chance to experience a different culture, train alongside footballing legends, and secure his future should be seen as a calculated and strategic move.
Aston Villa, like any other club, will continue forward, scouting new talents to replace players who leave. But for Durán, this is more than just a financial decision—it’s a bold step that will shape both his career and personal trajectory. Instead of criticizing his move, perhaps it’s time to respect it as a wise decision by a young footballer with his eyes firmly set on a prosperous future.
Girma’s Move: Becoming the Most Expensive Women’s Player
In a historic moment for women’s soccer, Naomi Girma has redefined the landscape by becoming the most expensive female footballer of all time. Her transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for £900,000 has not only set a new benchmark, but also marks the arrival of the first $1 million-plus player in the women’s game. This groundbreaking achievement reflects the meteoric rise of Girma, who has rapidly become one of the world’s top defenders.
Naomi Girma’s transfer fee surpasses the previous record of $860,000, which was paid by Bay FC for Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji in February 2024. Additionally, Girma’s fee more than doubles the previous record for an English women’s club signing, which Chelsea set last January when they paid €450,000 (£384,000) for Colombian striker Mayra Ramírez, with potential add-ons pushing the total value higher.
Girma’s career trajectory is a remarkable one. After being drafted as the first pick in the 2022 NWSL draft by San Diego Wave, she immediately demonstrated her immense potential. In just two years, she has cemented herself as one of the most sought-after defenders, known for her exceptional defensive skills, leadership, and tactical intelligence. In 2022 and 2023, Girma was awarded NWSL Defender of the Year, a testament to her dominance in the league. Her performances for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) have been equally impressive, playing every minute of their gold medal-winning campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her transfer to Chelsea represents a significant leap in her career. Chelsea, known for their commitment to building one of the strongest teams in women’s football, will now benefit from Girma’s ability to read the game, her ball-winning ability, and her leadership qualities at the back. As a top-tier center-back, she is expected to be a key player in Chelsea’s ambitions in the Women’s Super League and the Champions League.
Girma’s rise to stardom is a testament to her hard work and passion for the game. As a player, she continues to inspire the next generation of young footballers, particularly women, showing that with talent and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved in the world of football. Her historic transfer is a milestone for women’s football, reflecting the growing respect and investment in the sport at the highest levels.
