“I think it’s a monumental and game-changing moment right now. I can’t even describe in words what it feels like.”

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025, was reportedly the highest-earning female player before Rodman’s deal.

In 2025 the salary cap for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was $3.5m (£2.6m) per team.

But the NWSL board of governors approved a new ‘High Impact Player’ rule in December, which allowed teams to spend up to $1m (£760,000) over the cap on players that meet certain criteria.

“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” said Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang.

Rodman helped Spirit win the NWSL Championship in her debut season in 2021 and was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year.

She has won 47 caps for the USA, scoring 11 goals since her debut in 2022.

She scored three goals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the USA won gold.

Dennis Rodman won five NBA Championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.