Why Trinity Rodman didn’t accept European clubs and stayed in the U.S

Trinity Rodman has stepped into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a contract that reset the market. After weeks of uncertainty, her National Women’s Soccer League future is secure with the Washington Spirit, thanks to a reported three-year deal worth $2 million annually — the highest salary in global women’s soccer.

Her body is cooperating, too. A sprained knee has healed. Chronic back issues have eased. And in her long-awaited return to the United States women’s national soccer team, she didn’t just blend in. She wore the captain’s armband. She scored. Then she scored again.

Now, with coach Emma Hayes calling her back in for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, Rodman is positioned as a central figure in the early build toward the 2027 World Cup. “I’m just motivated to be on the field as much as I can,” Rodman said after Spirit training in suburban D.C. “I’ve felt really good in national team camp [last month], and then coming into preseason [getting] a lot of minutes” in two friendlies.

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The Overseas Temptation — And Why She Stayed

Rodman had options. European clubs were watching. The idea of testing herself abroad was real. “I definitely go through phases of like, ‘OK, I’m good. I can do something different, try something new,’” she said.

But stability mattered. “There’s also times where I’m like, ‘OK, I’m not ready to do something or I need to be in a stable situation, comfortable in the U.S.’” The internal tug-of-war was ongoing.

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“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, because I’ve been open to everything, and I’ve teetered back and forth where I’ve been so close to being like, ‘OK, I’m going,’ and I’m like, ‘Wait, no, I’m not ready.’”

Ultimately, unfinished business in Washington won out. “There’s still more to do, and if I do make a big jump or a big decision like that, I want to feel like I’ve fully fulfilled what I want to do in D.C. before I’m bouncing around everywhere, if that makes sense.”

It makes perfect sense for a player who won an NWSL title as a rookie in 2021, then landed on the losing side of the last two finals. “We have redeeming to do,” she said.

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Spirit coach Adrián González called her “super excited” in camp and emphasized how critical her return is not just for the club, but for 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 said.

Face of the NWSL’s Next Phase

The 23-year-old forward is no longer just a rising star. Through her performance, personality, and marketing power, she has become the face of U.S. soccer talent based in the U.S.

Last season was fragmented. Injuries limited her to 15 regular-season matches, two playoff appearances as a substitute, and one U.S. friendly. Contract uncertainty hovered in the background. This year, she wants clean lines.

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“With contract matters behind her, Rodman aims to have a year without interruption or distraction.” That means consistent minutes, chemistry with new teammates, and building toward Washington’s March 13 opener against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field.

“We still have a lot to show and a lot more to our game as a team as a whole,” she said. “Having a lot of new faces this year and more internationals, there’s still a lot of connections to be built in certain units on the field, so I’m excited to see those grow.”

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There will be one noticeable absence. Close friend and U.S. teammate Croix Bethune was traded to the Kansas City Current after requesting a move. “I was really bummed about Croix. I can’t lie,” Rodman said. “We’re very close friends, so I was just really sad about that, in general. She has to do what’s best for her.” Then, with a grin, “Unfortunately, Kansas City. I think she’s going to thrive. She’ll thrive at any club.”

A Power Couple Moment 

Off the field, Rodman found a rare scheduling sweet spot. Because Spirit camp timing aligned, she was able to attend boyfriend Ben Shelton’s tournament in Greater Dallas, where he pushed toward his fourth tour title. “Him being able to win that conveniently on my off days was amazing,” she said with a smile. “So I’m really happy.”

Shelton even acknowledged the pattern: “This is the second tournament that my girlfriend has shown up on the semifinals day. I’m 2-0 in semis when she shows up for that.”

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Rodman, ever practical, described their balance clearly. “We do really good at being there for each other, but also trying to be realistic at times where it’s like, ‘OK, that’s a little much. That’s going to exhaust us,’” she said. “Yeah, big moments I try to show up for. Thankfully, I was there for Dallas, but we go with the flow.”

Healthy, Paid, and Locked In

Rodman enters her sixth professional season healthy, financially secure, and central to both club and country plans. The National Women’s Soccer League needed to keep her. The Spirit needed to keep her. And she chose to stay.

Now the focus narrows: SheBelieves Cup, NWSL redemption, and laying bricks toward 2027. Trinity Rodman is building, and right now, everything is aligned.