Dennis Rodman’s daughter Trinity Rodma marks her spectacular return from injury and receives heartfelt praise from legend Magic Johnson after scoring the winning goal against Portland Thorns

On August 3, 2025, Trinity Rodman, the 23-year-old star forward for the Washington Spirit, made a triumphant return to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after a nearly four-month absence due to a persistent back injury. Her comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as she scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal to secure a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The emotional moment, witnessed by 16,007 fans, not only marked her return to form but also drew heartfelt praise from NBA legend and Washington Spirit co-owner Magic Johnson, who celebrated her resilience and impact on the game.

Rodman, the daughter of Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, had been sidelined since April 12 due to a nagging back issue that required extensive rehabilitation, including a stint with a specialist in London. Her absence was felt deeply by the Spirit, who had been navigating a competitive season without one of their key players. Entering the match as a substitute in the 76th minute, Rodman wasted no time making her presence known. With the score tied at 1-1, she seized a loose ball in the penalty area during second-half stoppage time and unleashed a powerful volley past Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The goal was more than just a game-winner; it was a testament to Rodman’s determination and mental fortitude. Overcome with emotion, she buried her face in her hands, tears streaming as her teammates swarmed her in celebration. In a post-match interview with ESPN, Rodman reflected on the challenges she faced, saying, “Holy cow, that was just the hardest thing I’ve had to go through with injury and everything. Being back, especially at home, with the crowd behind me, scoring a goal like that—I buried it. I wasn’t going to miss it.” Her words captured the weight of her journey, from uncertainty and pain to a moment of pure triumph.

Magic Johnson, who joined the Washington Spirit’s ownership group in September 2024, was quick to share his admiration on social media. “Welcome back superstar Trinity Rodman!” he wrote on X. “Congratulations on scoring the game-winning goal for our Washington Spirit in a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. The entire National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has missed you!” His message underscored Rodman’s significance not only to the team but to the league as a whole, highlighting her status as one of the NWSL’s brightest stars.

Rodman’s return adds a new chapter to her already remarkable career. Drafted by the Spirit in 2021 at the age of 18, she became the youngest player in NWSL history to be selected in the college draft. Since then, she has earned accolades such as the NWSL Rookie of the Year, a spot on the NWSL Best XI, and the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2021. Her contributions to the U.S. Women’s National Team, including three goals at the 2024 Olympics to help secure a gold medal, have further cemented her reputation as a generational talent.

Despite her achievements, Rodman’s journey has not been without personal challenges. She has been open about her strained relationship with her father, Dennis Rodman, describing him as absent for much of her life. In a candid interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast in December 2024, she shared, “He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.” Yet, Trinity has carved her own path, finding solace and purpose in soccer from a young age. Her resilience was evident in her return, as she told reporters, “I’m still gonna be Trin… intense, giving 100% all the time.”

The victory over the Portland Thorns, powered by Rodman’s goal and an earlier score from teammate Gift Monday, propelled the Spirit to third place in the NWSL standings with 26 points. As they prepare for their next match against Gotham FC, Rodman’s return signals a renewed momentum for the team. Her emotional comeback, coupled with Magic Johnson’s heartfelt praise, serves as a reminder of her indomitable spirit and her ability to inspire both on and off the field. For Rodman, this moment is not just a return—it’s a declaration that she’s back, stronger than ever, ready to lead the Spirit toward a championship.