Trinity Rodman entered 2026 with clarity and confidence, securing her future in the National Women’s Soccer League. Her new three-year deal with the Washington Spirit, reportedly worth $2 million annually, makes her the highest-paid player in global women’s soccer.
Health and national team return
After battling injuries, Rodman’s body has responded well. A sprained knee has healed, and chronic back issues have eased. In her return to the U.S. women’s national team, she wore the captain’s armband and scored twice, signaling her readiness to lead. Coach Emma Hayes has called her back for the SheBelieves Cup, positioning her as a central figure in the build toward the 2027 World Cup. “I’m just motivated to be on the field as much as I can,” Rodman said.
Choosing Washington over Europe
Rodman admitted she considered moving overseas but ultimately decided to stay. “I go back and forth: ‘Oh, should I have done this, should I have gone overseas or whatever?’ But through it all, it’s just trusting myself,” she said. Her decision was shaped by unfinished business with the Spirit, where she won a title as a rookie in 2021 but lost the last two finals. “There’s still more to do,” she explained.
Spirit redemption and leadership
Rodman emphasized the team’s need to bounce back. “We have redeeming to do,” she said. Spirit coach Adrián González highlighted her importance, noting her energy in camp and her role in the league’s growth. “For the fans, for the team, for the league, for the people that love soccer in this country, it’s really positive having players like her,” González commented.
Face of the league’s next phase
At 23, Rodman is no longer just a rising star. Her performance, personality, and marketability have made her the face of U.S.-based soccer talent. After a fragmented 2025 season marked by injuries and contract uncertainty, she now aims for consistency and chemistry with new teammates ahead of the Spirit’s opener against Portland. “We still have a lot to show and a lot more to our game as a team as a whole,” she said.
Personal connections and balance
Rodman expressed sadness over the departure of close friend Croix Bethune to Kansas City. “I was really bummed about Croix. I can’t lie,” she said. Off the field, she found balance by supporting her boyfriend, tennis player Ben Shelton, at his tournament in Dallas. “Him being able to win that conveniently on my off days was amazing,” she said with a smile.
Rodman enters her sixth professional season healthy, financially secure, and central to both club and country plans. The Spirit needed her, the league needed her, and she chose to stay. Now the focus is clear: SheBelieves Cup, NWSL redemption, and building toward the 2027 World Cup. Trinity Rodman is aligned with her goals, and the path ahead is firmly set.
Ben Shelton in 2026
Ranked world no.9, the American played his last match on the 15th of February when he beat world no.7 Taylor Fritz 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Dallas to win his 4th career title.
At the moment, during this season Ben has managed to achieve a 10-2 win-loss record. This year, Ben conquered 1 title in Dallas.
