Trinity Rodman became the highest-paid female soccer player, and the world is shocked at how she reached that level.
To clear the air, the media and sporting community have highlighted her football journey in recent reports.
The Washington Spirit announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the end of weeks of uncertainty surrounding the football future of Trinity Rodman, whose previous contract with the club expired on December 31, 2026.
“I knew this was the moment I wanted to enter the next chapter of my career,” the 23-year-old said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve built since my rookie season, and I’m excited about where this club is going,” Rodman said, adding, “We’re chasing championships and raising standards, and I can’t wait to continue doing that with my teammates and the best fans in the National Women’s Soccer League NWSL.”
Rodman’s future was of great interest to Europe’s most successful clubs, who had the potential to pick up a world-class player on the open market.
Serial Women’s Super League winners Chelsea were among the clubs monitoring their situation and prepared to strike if the NWSL’s Rodman solution had failed.
It was an unprecedented situation in the US, with the league and Washington Spirit fighting through the law to retain one of their best talents.
At 23, Rodman isn’t the best player in the world, but she has the potential to be one and would undoubtedly be a significant loss to the NWSL had they failed to retain her.
They have seen American stars Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson leave for Chelsea, and in January midfielder Sam Coffey made a high-profile move to Manchester City.
The NWSL has been at the forefront of women’s football for years, but the WSL and Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil are among those now spending big on transfer fees and player wages.
Barcelona have the two players who have won the past five Ballon d’Or awards – Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas – but the club is experiencing financial problems.
American billionaire and multi-club owner Kang is investing heavily in her clubs – Lyon, Washington and London City Lionesses – meaning salaries across the global women’s football landscape are only set to rise.
Furthermore, the football community is looking forward to seeing who will beat Trinity Rodman next and break her record as the highest-paid woman in the club.
