The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Lena Oberdorf and Linda Caicedo in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.
There were so many big names to watch at last year's Copa America Femenina. Marta's emergence out of international retirement was the major storyline going into the tournament, where stars such as Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo, Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez and Manchester City's Kerolin were also primed to shine. But these events also provide the platform for new names to rise to the fore, and that is exactly what happened with a 17-year-old sensation from Paraguay by the name of Claudia Martinez.
Crystal Dunn’s retirement left teammates emotional and reflective. Her 12-year international career shaped players from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson to Croix Bethune and Sophia Wilson.
Trinity Rodman became the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world by staying in the NWSL. GOAL breaks down what that decision means - and the challenges that came with it.
U.S. international Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty surrounding her future. The agreement follows the NWSL’s introduction of the High Impact Player rule, though it remains unclear whether Rodman will be formally classified under the designation once it takes effect in July.
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) filed a grievance against the NWSL's implementation of the “High Impact Player" (HIP) Rule. The NWSLPA states that the HIP violates the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law. This is the second grievance filed by the NWSLPA against the league.
The NWSL has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns. Opening weekend also features expansion sides Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC making their league debuts on March 14, with Boston hosting defending champions Gotham FC and Denver opening on the road against Bay FC. Here are GOAL’s six takeaways.
The NWSL announced Tuesday that it will introduce a new “High Impact Player” (HIP) rule beginning in 2026, allowing teams to spend up to $1 million above the league’s salary cap on qualifying players. The decision was met with swift opposition from the NWSL Players Association, which argues the league cannot unilaterally alter compensation structures without collective bargaining.
With Washington pushing to retain Rodman, new league mechanisms emerging, and Europe circling, her decision could redefine what comes next for both player and league.
The 2025 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel, delivered a landmark television audience, with Gotham FC’s 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit averaging 1,184,000 viewers in primetime on CBS. The broadcast capped a postseason marked by across-the-board gains in linear viewership, attendance and digital engagement, underscoring a peak moment in the league’s accelerating growth trajectory.
U.S. international Trinity Rodman said she is still weighing her next move as her contract with the Washington Spirit nears its end, noting that emotions and timing are shaping a decision she hasn’t made yet. Her deal expired after Sunday’s NWSL final against Gotham FC, officially making her a free agent and leaving her at a potential career crossroads.
Was this Trinity Rodman’s last match for the Spirit - and is Gotham’s quiet confidence about to reshape the league? Here’s what comes next for both finalists after a dramatic NWSL final.
Trinity Rodman has spoken out about her NWSL future as the Washington Spirit look to retain the forward's services. USWNT star Rodman's current deal in the capital expires next month and the Spirit are keen to keep 23-year-old after another strong season. DC Power have reportedly lodged an offer, which exceeds the Spirit's offer owing to the NWSL wage cap structure, while there is also interest from England's WSL.
For the second time in three seasons, Gotham FC are NWSL champions after a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit in San Jose. U.S. international Rose Lavelle - who scored against Gotham for the Seattle Reign in the 2023 Championship defeat - secured her first NWSL title with the game-winning strike. Trinity Rodman also featured for the Spirit in what could be her final game in the league.
Trinity Rodman has received a contract offer from DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League that reportedly exceeds what the Washington Spirit or the NWSL can match. The U.S. forward’s contract with the Spirit expires next month, and negotiations over an extension have stalled. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has stressed her league will fight to keep the American star.
United States forward Trinity Rodman’s future with the Washington Spirit is reportedly uncertain as she weighs more lucrative offers from overseas. Saturday’s NWSL semifinal win over the Portland Thorns at Audi Field may have been her final home appearance, with her contract set to expire next month and extension talks stalling.
Kansas City Current captain Lo'eau LaBonta has been added to the U.S. women's national team roster for the upcoming October friendlies, replacing injured Seattle Reign midfielder Sam Meza ahead of matches against Portugal and New Zealand. LaBonta will have opportunity to play in front of her club crowd on Oct. 29.
Trinity Rodman has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, having seemingly avoided a more serious injury after being helped off the field in tears during Wednesday's 4-0 win over Monterrey in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. There has been no timetable set for her return, but Rodman is expected to miss the U.S. women's national team's upcoming friendlies.