Trinity Rodman is making headlines for obvious reasons. It’s almost as if the USWNT superstar is determined to keep surprising her fans. First, she teased a potential love connection with Ben Shelton, then brought back her long pink braids. Now, she has everyone speculating about her Washington Spirit future after openly expressing her desire to play overseas. However, national icon Megan Rapinoe wants to keep Rodman “exactly where she is.”

“I’ve always thought about playing overseas at some point in my career. I would kick myself if I retired and hadn’t done that. So it’s just a matter of when I think. But yeah, just focus on this year, and we’ll see what happens when the time is right,” said the 22-year-old in her viral confession. Clearly, Trin will not fear moving to Europe, be it this year or in the latter stages of her career.

Honestly, one may argue that any player would like to try something different and take the next step. Yet, for Rapinoe, she wants the forward to stay put in the NWSL. “If I’m the Washington Spirit I am considering myself on high alert,” admitted Pinoe, while discussing her exit rumors on the latest episodes of the A Touch More podcast.

As someone who herself enjoyed a few stints in Australia and France, of course, who better than Rapinoe to understand the allure of playing overseas? While explaining it to her fellow co-host and partner Sue Bird, Megan pointed to the UEFA Champions League as the main draw for players considering a move to Europe. Additionally, factors such as top-tier facilities, marketing, and the business side of the sport also play a role.

That ‘crown jewel’ of global domestic soccer is what drives both men and women to join major European clubs. Rapinoe also highlighted players’ curiosity about living abroad in cities like Barcelona, London, or Paris, especially those seeking a change from the ordinary. “It’s like this nostalgic story about European soccer that we’re all told; the mecca of it all,” admitted the iconic forward.

Then again, Rapinoe believes that the Spirit has the luxury to get Rodman’s mind off these luring factors. “When you put it like that, Spirit ownership, I feel should be, not on notice a little bit, but just knowing and watching that space. Because I would be doing everything I possibly could to be having Trinity under long and lucrative contracts for a very long time. She’s your best player. She’s your most marketable player.”

She underlined how the NWSL has already lost a few of its star players including the likes of Naomi Girma, Jenna Nighswonger, Kerolin, and Crystal Dunn. Hence, in order to avoid the same with Rodman, she urged the Spirits to go the extra mile. “I don’t think there’s any exodus happening but yeah if I was Michelle Kang [owner], I would do what I always do; get that checkbook out and just keep her exactly where she is,” concluded Rapinoe.

Seems like the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner doesn’t want the talented winger to leave the high ranks of NWSL. However, the same cannot be said for the other two American veterans, who rather want Trin to play overseas.

USWNT icons ‘support’ Trinity Rodman’s overseas dream

Unlike Megan Rapinoe, USWNT icons Becky Sauerbrunn and Sam Mewis came in support of Trinity Rodman’s desire to move overseas. “I don’t think it should come as a shock to many,” began Sauerbrunn while speaking on The Women’s Game podcast, alleging that every player has the desire to explore foreign leagues. “We will have to deal with it when Trinity decides it’s the right time for her,” she added.

Mewis echoed Sauerbrunn’s point, suggesting that the NWSL could use this as an opportunity to introduce a designated player rule, even joking that paying Rodman $5 million would keep her in the league. However, Sauerbrunn countered that money isn’t the main factor. Acknowledging Europe’s deep-rooted soccer legacy, she emphasized that Rodman’s desire to play overseas is driven purely by hunger for experience.

Mewis further supported her co-host’s point, adding, “I do think that we should actually support players who want to go and play overseas,” added the former midfielder. Drawing from her own experience at Manchester City, she highlighted the appeal of competing in prestigious tournaments like the Champions League.

Be that as it may, it is quite a conundrum for Trinity Rodman to be in regarding her future. Regardless, share your thoughts in the comments.