Trinity Rodman tops ESPN’s list of best players 21 and under

ESPN dropped its annual ranking of the 21 best women’s soccer players 21 and under Thursday, and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman topped the list.

Rodman became the highest-paid player in the NWSL ahead of the 2022 season when the Spirit signed the 20-year-old standout to a four-year, $1.1 million contract. She’s also seen increased playing time for the USWNT.

Following Rodman is Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp at No. 2 and then Wolfsburg’s Lena Oberdorf at No. 3.

Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith sits at No. 4. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NWSL draft.

Other NWSL players to make the cut include Naomi Girma (No. 11), Ebony Salmon (No. 13) and Diana Ordoñez (No. 16). Mia Fishel, who opted to play for the Tigres in Liga MX Femenil over the Orlando Pride, sits at No. 19 on the list.

A plethora of Champions League players grace the top 21, including Barcelona’s Giovana Queiroz and Lyon’s Melvine Malard.