Trinity Rodman, #5 of the United States, smiles during the second half of the Women's group B match between the United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024, in Nice, France. © Getty Images

Trinity Rodman scores a spectacular goal in Olympic soccer debut

Rodman's moment of brilliance came when she received a precise pass from midfielder Lindsay Horan on the left flank


Senior Writer
JULY 25, 2024 6:54 PM EDT

Trinity Rodman announced her arrival on the Olympic stage with a goal that will be remembered as one of the finest of the tournament—across both men's and women's competitions. Representing the U.S. women's national team, Rodman finished off an electrifying counterattack, solidifying her status as a rising star in international soccer.

Rodman's moment of brilliance came when she received a precise pass from midfielder Lindsay Horan on the left flank. With an effortless Cruyff turn, she elegantly split two Zambian defenders, setting up her right foot for a powerful strike. The ball soared past Zambian goalkeeper Ngambo Musole, clinching the game's first goal and sending a clear message about her skills on the field.

Trinity Rodman, #5 of the United States, celebrates scoring with Mallory Swanson #9 during the first half of the Women's group B match between the United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024, in Nice, France. © Getty Images
Trinity Rodman, #5 of the United States, celebrates scoring with Mallory Swanson #9 during the first half of the Women's group B match between the United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024, in Nice, France.

This match also marked a significant milestone for Rodman's teammate, Mallory Swanson, who made her 31st consecutive appearance for the national team. Having an outstanding 2023-24 season with five goals and five assists, Swanson continued her impressive form by scoring a brace. Her two goals, scored in the 24th and 25th minutes, set a U.S. Soccer record for the fastest goals by a single player in a major tournament, clocking in at just 66 seconds apart.

The United States' commanding performance in the first half, albeit against a less formidable opponent, showcased their potential as serious contenders for the gold medal. Under the leadership of new head coach Emma Hayes, this performance inspires hope and optimism for the team's journey towards the ultimate prize.

Rodman's spectacular debut and Swanson's record-setting brace highlighted the depth of talent within the U.S. women's national team and provided a thrilling start to their Olympic campaign. With such electrifying performances, the team has set high expectations for their journey toward gold, leaving fans excited and anticipative about what they will achieve next.

© Getty Images
Trinity Rodman #5 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half of the Women's Group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024, in Nice, France.

Trinity Rodman's Olympic Hair

Rodman has always been known for her exceptional field talent and distinctive personal style. Recently, she took to social media to show her "new aura," which featured goddess-curled braids, a look that combines braids' elegance with curls' playful charm. Rodman's decision to sport this hairstyle is more than a personal choice; it's a statement. Her new hairstyle has sparked interest, with many fans and fashion enthusiasts eager to try the look for themselves. 

© Getty Images
Emily Sonnett and Trinity Rodman of the United States laugh after a USWNT training session at Audi Field on July 15, 2024, in Washington, DC.

Social media is buzzing with reactions, tutorials, and variations of the style, proving that when it comes to fashion, Trinity Rodman is as much a trendsetter as an athlete.

Paris 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will showcase athletic excellence, bringing together the world's top athletes competing for their countries. The Summer Olympics, a celebration of diversity and sportsmanship, will feature over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries, with an equal number of male and female participants, per the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They will compete in 45 different sports, including 41 traditional Olympic events.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will be a spectacle like no other, taking place on July 26 along the iconic Seine River. However, the excitement begins even before this grand event, as some sporting events, including soccer and rugby, will kick off earlier due to the length of the schedule.