Washington Spirit midfielder Monique Ngock has delivered a glowing endorsement of teammate Trinity Rodman, declaring that the United States star is already “awesome” but has yet to show the full extent of her ability — and backing her to one day win the Ballon d’Or.
Ngock’s comments came after Rodman scored in the Spirit’s 2-0 victory over Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, sealing a home playoff quarterfinal and completing her most productive NWSL regular season yet. The 85th-minute strike took Rodman to 12 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, surpassing her previous bests of eight goals and six assists.
“Right now, I think we have not yet seen what Trinity Rodman is capable of,” Ngock told ESPN. “I strongly believe she can go far beyond her limit and what she is doing now, and I hope one day she’s gonna win the Ballon d’Or because she has all the qualities to do that.
“She’s going to write her history not only in American soccer, but in the whole world. It’s great to play alongside these kind of players.”
The Cameroon international, who joined the Spirit from French club Fleury in July, also offered a playful take on their partnership. “Oh, it’s awesome to play with her, but I think she’s the one who’s lucky to play with Monique,” she said with a smile. “I am African champion, you know. But I’m just kidding.”
Ngock admitted she arrived in the US already impressed by Rodman’s reputation as one of the world’s highest-paid players. After seeing her up close in training and matches, that admiration only grew. She praised not only Rodman’s power and quality on the pitch but also her character: “She’s very strong… not only as a player, but as a human being. She is kind and I think that’s what makes the difference.”
Rodman, who finished ninth in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting after helping the US win Olympic gold, was typically modest in response. “That’d be nice,” she said. “Hopefully at some point in the future I’ll be in that conversation, but right now, it’s just the present and being available and continuing to improve my game every single year, because I still don’t think I’m the best player that I can be.”
She also revealed how much Ngock’s praise meant to her, particularly given her efforts to help new international teammates settle in. “That makes me feel amazing,” Rodman said. “I always try to carry myself in the best way and be as competitive and also uplifting and inclusive.”