Trinity Rodman, the Washington Spirit’s star forward and the highest-paid female footballer in the world, left Sunday’s SheBelieves Cup match against Argentina in the closing minutes after a hard foul left her clutching her lower back.
The incident occurred in second-half stoppage time when Argentina’s Milagros Martin collided with Rodman whereas attempting to win possession of the ball near the sideline. Martin was issued a yellow card, but Rodman remained on the ground for several minutes, visibly in pain, before being attended to by USWNT trainers. She briefly jogged along the sideline to test the injury but did not return to the game, which the United States won 2-0.
The injury is a concern for both the USWNT and the Washington Spirit, as Rodman has struggled with recurring back issues throughout her career. She missed a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a back injury, describing the condition as something that “will never be 100 percent” and requiring ongoing management rather than a definitive cure.
Following the match, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes stated she had no immediate update on Rodman’s condition. “I haven’t seen her,” Hayes said. “I don’t generally notice the team until they’ve had their debrief [about] an hour and a half after the game.”
Rodman recently signed a record three-year contract extension with the Washington Spirit in January, solidifying her position as the highest-paid player in the NWSL and in women’s soccer globally. The Spirit are committed to keeping Rodman with the team, according to reports.
The USWNT will continue the SheBelieves Cup with matches against Canada on March 4 in Columbus, Ohio, and Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey. The Washington Spirit begin their NWSL season on March 13 against the Portland Thorns.
