Trinity Rodman is in tears hugging bf Ben Shelton after NWSL Final loss

Trinity Rodman unfortunately grabbed most of the headlines away from the pitch heading into the NWSL Final.

Not only was the United States women's national soccer team star striker's future in doubt for the Washington Spirit as they faced Gotham FC, but it's been widely speculated that she'll either leave the league entirely for more money in either Europe or the competing domestic DC Power FC club of the Gainbridge Super League that does not have salary cap restrictions like the NWSL.

Rodman, 23, was seen after the 1-0 defeat to Gotham FC in tears hugging her boyfriend, American tennis phenom Ben Shelton, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, having been a substitute in the second half, still looking like she was still suffering the effects of a knee injury.

Trinity Rodman, Ben Shelton — Trinity Rodman in tears hugging boyfriend Ben Shelton | Google Pixel exclusive to The Athlete LifeStyle On SI

Rodman definitely did not look 100% healthy

It was obvious that Rodman, who became a household name winning a gold medal at the Paris Summer Olympics for the USWNT as one of the breakout young strikers known as "Triple Espresso" alongside Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, was never quite right in the final, at times even limping and generally looking sluggish.

She probably felt pressure to play though given The Athletic reported yesterday that Rodman "has a contract offer from DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League that is significantly larger than what the Spirit or NWSL is able to counter under the current salary cap limitations."

Rodman and Shelton are still going strong

July 7, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Trinity Rodman reacts to Ben Shelton of the United States winning his match against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy on day eight at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. | Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Rodman also went viral this week for sharing her TikTok dance surprising Ben Shelton, 23, in a custom pajamas fit he originally received at the ATP Finals that has his face and tennis balls all over it, rocking the look wake him up in the morning.

At the ATP finals, they gave all the players a snuggle with their face on it. Ben Shelton didn’t know who would want this gift lol! 😂 Well Trinity Rodman loves it! I mean loves it! 😃🥰 pic.twitter.com/SLhj7D2Nny
— LaWanda (@lawanda50) November 20, 2025

Rodman and Shelton became a big-time power couple at Wimbledon when she went viral for looking smitten at one of his matches, and the duo have been actively supportive of one another ever since blowing up on social media.

Trinity Rodman gets support from boyfriend Ben Shelton after her Washington Spirit lost in the NWSL Final to Gotham FC 🫶 pic.twitter.com/8lAJSlGXCH
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 23, 2025

It was a rough night for Rodman, but luckily Shelton was there to support her as she looks to get healthy and figures out where she'll be playing next season.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Awkward first: New ‘First Take’ host Shae Cornette addresses Molly Qerim’s exit

First Lady winner: Sarkisian’s wife Loreal wears daring gold denim fit for Texas game

Tearjerker: Alex Vesia’s wife gets note from Dodgers WAG after devastating baby’s death

Zag WAG: Ohtani’s wife Mamiko has unique fit defying Dodgers WAGs for World Series

Tigers whimper: Lane Kiffin’s daughter Landry reveals LSU fit looking sad in ugly loss