Monique Ngock says Washington Spirit teammate Trinity Rodman is 'awesome' already, but warned opponents that the star forward has yet to show the full extent of her ability, and backed the United States forward to be a future Ballon d'Or winner.
The Cameroon midfielder delivered her ringing endorsement after Rodman scored in Washington's 2-0 win over Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, completing her most productive NWSL regular season in goals and assists, as the Spirit secured a home playoff quarterfinal.
"Right now, I think we have not yet seen what Trinity Rodman is capable of," Ngock told ESPN after the game.
"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."
Rodman's 85th-minute finish at Audi Field took her to 12 goals for the season. She also registered eight assists across 30 appearances, surpassing her previous regular-season bests of eight goals and six assists.
After observing Rodman from close quarters, Ngock believes that the forward can make an impact well beyond the NWSL and into legend territory.
"She's going to write her history not only in American soccer, but in the whole world," Ngock said. "It's great to play alongside these kind of players. Not only her but others in this team."
Against Chicago, she had created a first-half opportunity for Ashley Hatch, whose shot was saved by Alyssa Naeher, before meeting Clara Luvanga's cross from the right with a first-time finish to double Washington's lead. Michelle Alozie's own goal had put the Spirit ahead in the 62nd minute.
But before explaining what makes Rodman special, Ngock offered a different, somewhat sassy assessment of which player should be grateful to share Washington's dressing room.
"Oh, it's awesome to play with her, but I think she's the one who's lucky to play with Monique," she said.
"I don't know if she ever played with a Cameroonian. So she's the one who is lucky to play with me right now. I am African champion, you know. But I'm just kidding."
Ngock's respect for Rodman's talent has been earned both on the training ground and in games. The Cameroon midfielder joined the Spirit from French club Fleury in July on a contract through 2028, with a 2029 option, and says Rodman's reputation piqued her interest and made her curious to observe at close quarters.
Ngock added: "It's awesome to play with her because, before coming to the US, I heard she is one of the best players and the most highly-paid player in the entire world. I was very impressed.
"When I came, the first training session, I wanted to see who this player is, and even during the first game. So after the first training session I was like okay, I understand now."
Rodman's performances this season have provided further evidence. She was named NWSL Player of the Month for July after scoring five goals, including three match-winners, and providing an assist as Washington won five of six games.
But Ngock says the qualities that make Rodman a valued teammate and earned her respect and admiration extend beyond what she produces on the field: "She's something awesome.
"She's very strong, she has a lot of power and she has a lot of quality, not only as a player, but as a human being. She is kind and I think that's what makes the difference."
Ngock has experienced that first hand as a new player finding her own place in Washington's midfield since making her NWSL debut as a substitute in the Aug 30 victory over Bay FC.
She subsequently started the 2-1 win at Portland and the home games against Boston Legacy and Angel City, before coming on for Leicy Santos with just over a minute of regulation left to play against Chicago.
The Spirit have the highest number of African players in the roster, even with the recent departure of Monday Gift to the Boston Legacy FC, and making these players feel welcome and included, has been part of the Spirit's appeal.
Ngock's praise provided Rodman some level of validation, if she needed any, that the effort she puts into helping new teammates settle in was working.
"That makes me feel amazing," Rodman said at the post-game press conference. "I always try to carry myself in the best way and be as competitive and also uplifting and inclusive, especially with how many new players we have coming in, internationals coming in."
That adjustment, Rodman said, required understanding from the players already established at the club: "It's so different for them. So, to be as welcoming and just helping them get the feel quicker, because it is hard to adjust.
"So, yeah, it makes me feel amazing. That I'm doing something right. That's a great compliment, and she's been amazing too."
Ngock's endorsement comes in a season in which Rodman has sustained her production across Washington's attack after a difficult last season where she battled with injury.
Still, the Ballon d'Or is not altogether unfamiliar territory for Rodman. She finished ninth in the voting in 2024, after helping the United States win Olympic gold. But Ngock believes her teammate can go even further.
Rodman took the vote of confidence in typically unassuming style: "That'd be nice. It makes me happy that she's thinking in that way and obviously that's a goal for every single player. I think it's like the biggest, best award you could make.
"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."