The USA start the mission of defending their title at the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with a balanced mix of experienced and young players. Striker Trinity Rodman is one of the most exciting players in the squad of the four-time world champion. A great future is predicted for her.
On June 21, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s squad for the World Cup in an eight-minute video. The special thing about it: For each of the 23 players, the USSF had won a prominent sponsor who announced their name.
After a few introductory words from US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, it was singer Taylor Swift, actress Tina Fey and football legend Mia Hamm, among others, who wished the respective players all the best for the tournament with short speeches.
NBA legend O’Neal announced Rodman’s nomination
Former basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal was also part of the production. In front of closed curtains in a hotel room, he congratulated Trinity Rodman on her nomination. “Kick one or the other in the A… and bring the victory home with you,” demanded the 51-year-old with a wink.
Of course, it was no coincidence that the association chose one of the best players in the history of the North American professional league NBA as godfather for the up-and-coming attacker. After all, the 21-year-old is the daughter of Dennis Rodman, who, like O’Neal, is a basketball legend in the States and a member of the Hall of Fame. “Thanks ‘Shaq’ you are amazing,” Rodman replied via Instagram. She referred to O’Neal as her “uncle”. Because: “My father and ‘Shaq’ were friends and he has known me since I was a child.”
Pro debut at 18
While Rodman’s dad and said O’Neal are well past their sporting careers, the forward is still in the early stages of her career. At just 21, the Newport Beach (California) native of the national team has already had a meteoric rise. At 18, she became the youngest draft pick in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history. The Washington Spirit had first access to the selection process – and got the great talent.
A few weeks later, Rodman made her debut in the US professional league and scored her debut goal five minutes after being substituted on. The media quickly pounced on the young attacker. Not only because she is a highly talented footballer, but also because of her famous father.
Highest-paid player in the US league
For many other teenagers, the pressure of constant reporting might have had a negative impact on their performance. Not so with Rodman. In her second NWSL season, her consistently good performances made a significant contribution to Washington’s title win. That was honored. And in the truest sense of the word.
Rodman’s contract was extended to 2024 on increased pay. According to media reports, she should receive 240,500 euros per season. That would make the 21-year-old the highest-paid player in the United States.
In addition to the wage packet from her club, there are also financial benefits from a large sporting goods manufacturer with whom she has a private contract, as well as other additional income. The daughter of scandal noodle Denis Rodman, who has already paid a visit to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un for a few US dollars, will probably not be starving any time soon.
Relationship with father Denis Rodman ‘difficult’
The relationship with her father was “difficult”, the 21-year-old recently admitted: “He doesn’t play a big role in my life.” The striker wants to go her own way, write her own story. Of course, she has the great desire to be as successful as her dad. And the signs are good. “Every time she’s on the ball, you have the feeling that something special can happen,” says US coach Andonovski about the striker, whose “creativity and energy” the 46-year-old is enthusiastic about.
In February 2022, Rodman, who was born in North Macedonia, nominated for the national team for the first time. About a year and a half later, she is one of the American hopefuls of defending the world title. A fantastic career – made in the land of unlimited opportunities.