Trinity Rodman Crowned ESPN’s Top NWSL Player for 2026

Jeff Kassouf of ESPN selected Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman as the best NWSL player of the 2026 season. The designation was announced on Friday and reflects his evaluation of her impact throughout the campaign.

Newsweek

Rodman recorded 10 goals and five assists in 20 matches, placing her third in league scoring for 2026. Her consistency stood out after two injury-laden years, as she appeared in every league game. Teammates Leicy Santos (midfielder) and Tara Rudd (center-back) also earned top-25 rankings, at No. 16 and No. 18 respectively.

Newsweek

Kassouf described Rodman as the “engine” of a Washington Spirit side that dominated the first half of the season. He noted her evolution from the flamboyant “Trin Spin” to a more nuanced style that exploits space and forces defenders into vulnerable positions. Kassouf also emphasized her durability, highlighting that she has played every match despite recent injury concerns.

Newsweek

“If defenders continue to backpedal to contain her, they end up deep in their 18 and susceptible to Rodman's hip-swivel dekes. She will wrong foot a defender with that move and slam a shot into the net, as she did earlier this month against North Carolina,” — Jeff Kassouf

Newsweek

Rodman remains a key component of the U.S. women’s national team. She was the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2021 and contributed to Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Analysts expect her to be a central figure for the United States as it prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Newsweek