Just months after making history as the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world, Trinity Rodman is stepping into a new era—one that extends far beyond the pitch. From starring in adidas’ global World Cup campaign alongside cultural icons to embracing her growing influence in fashion and sport, Rodman, a forward with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL and the U.S. Women’s National Team, is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. In this conversation, she opens up about the moment that changed everything, the impact she hopes to have on the next generation, and how she’s navigating life at the center of sport, style, and culture.
Just a couple months ago, you signed a deal with the Washington Spirit that made you the highest paid women’s soccer player in the world. How’d that feel in the moment and what do you think it means for the future of the game?
I don't know, it almost didn't feel real. You spend so long working toward something and then it's just there. But then it hit me and I was like, okay, this is crazy. There’s the obvious conversation about compensation in women’s soccer, but what was more emotional for me was the potential impact of this on women and girls around the world. There are girls that’re playing soccer right now and are going to look at that moment and think: that’s possible. That’s real. That’s the whole thing. That’s bigger than any contract.
For the announcement itself, you were styled by Karla Welch, wore Willy Chavarria and had custom nails and a grill that reflected your passions and personality. How did that come together? What was the vision?
It’s kinda funny, that all moved so quickly. Like I remember sitting in my hotel room the morning of that announcement seeing all these people buzzing around me. It was a surreal feeling. Karla, Willy, everyone that had a role in that—my extended adidas family—I’m so incredibly grateful. When I saw those photos go live when we made the announcement, I was in shock, in a good way. Just amazed at how that came to life.
You’re starring in adidas’ World Cup global brand campaign alongside some of the biggest names in pop culture—Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny—as well as some of the biggest names in soccer—Messi, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham. What does it mean to you to be part of that cast?
It’s genuinely insane. These are people that I watch almost everyday, whether in a game, a movie or at the Super Bowl. Messi’s like, not even a real person to me. He’s a concept. And Bad Bunny is just incredible. But that’s kind of the point. adidas is saying that this isn’t just about soccer, it’s about the culture that surrounds it as a result of it. Being part of the campaign validates something I’ve believed, which is that I don’t just have to exist in the sports box. I care about fashion, I care about music, I’m more than just my persona on the field. So being alongside all of these people just feels very….me. And I love that.
adidas’ Backyard Legends film celebrates the freedom and joy of playing anywhere. What does that backyard feeling mean to you when you think about where your love for football started?
The backyard feeling is almost like this thing you're constantly trying to get back to. That version of yourself that just loved to play, looked forward to being with your friends. Sitting there with an orange slice in your mouth, laughing. When I look back on it, nobody was talking about what you’re “supposed” to be or do. You're just a kid who wants to score. That's what makes this concept so real to me. Because the best moments I've had on the field have felt just like that. Like you're a kid again and nothing else exists except the ball, the goal and that feeling.
Looking at your journey so far, what was your biggest pinch me moment that you could’ve believe was really happening?
Winning a gold medal. Point blank. But honestly, so many moments.
Timothée Chalamet recently starred in Marty Supreme as a table tennis legend and reportedly spent months preparing for the role. Do you think you could beat him in a game?
Yes, but it’d be close. I respect his prep. When I watched it, I was impressed. I think I’ve got a bit of an advantage with my hand-eye coordination and reading movement quickly. I think it’d be fun though. adidas should set that up, I’d watch it.
Bad Bunny’s coming off an iconic Super Bowl performance and is arguably the biggest artist in the world right now. How does it feel to be starring alongside him in adidas’ campaign and did you have any chance to interact? Do you have a favorite song of his?
To your earlier question, it’s a bit of a pinch me moment. Talk about a stacked cast. It’s honestly just surreal to be part of it all. Favorite song is def Tití Me Preguntó. Actually you know what, I need some of those BadBo sneakers.
If you had the chance to teach Bad Bunny some of your moves how do you think he would do?
Well, we all watched the halftime show. I think he’d kill it. I gotta get him to come to D.C. for a Spirit game and maybe we can test it out then.
What does a World Cup on home soil mean for the growth of soccer in this country?
I genuinely believe that the kids in the stadiums and at watch parties around the country will go home and pick up a ball for the first time because of what they see. That’s literally how you grow a sport. And when the women’s team is on the global stage next summer in Brazil, those kids and fans will be watching, craving even more. So I’m really excited for it.
You're known for your style on and off the field. In the campaign, you’re seen wearing a denim collection. How does that reflect your personal style? There's an art to looking like you just threw something on and it works. And denim just does that naturally. It can go so many directions. The adidas denim jersey is incredible because it was once seen as really taboo and out of place. But today, it perfectly tied back to that ‘90s vibe and makes people look twice. Couldn’t have dropped it at a better time.
You’ve become the highest paid player, a face of a World Cup campaign, and style icon - all at 23. What’s next for Trinity Rodman that you haven’t done yet?
I genuinely want to design. Like that's not a cute thing I say in interviews, that's a real thing. Fashion has always been a language for me and at some point I want to build something. Aside from that, maybe start my own sushi place?
You recently hit Ben Shelton’s phone celly after scoring. Did you plan that ahead of time?
So, yes and no. It wasn’t a whole coordinated thing but I knew that I wanted to do it at some point. It just sorta happened. And I think what made it special was that it was genuine. I wasn't performing it for the camera or for the moment. He's my person and I wanted him to feel that.
What is one match up you really want to see and why?
USA-Spain would be incredible. I mean USA on home turf for obvious reasons. And Lamine...I'm in this campaign with him and I'm watching him and going, how are you this good at this age? Hopefully he’s good to play this summer. It’d be cinema. Genuinely cinema. And I do think USA could do it. Not because they're better on paper necessarily but because of that intangible thing that happens when you're playing at home and you just refuse to lose.
Who are you rooting for to win it all?
The United States, of course. And I know that’s the obvious answer and what you’re expecting me to say, but it’s more than that. I want to watch this country completely fall in love with soccer. I want to see what that looks like. Soccer people have known forever what this sport is, and not everyone has caught onto that. A United States win on home soil would just change everything.
