PARIS — Trinity Rodman has admired Brazilian soccer star Marta for years and sees her as one of the most important legends in the history of women's soccer.
Rodman wants to beat her too. A lot.
“Marta has changed the game of soccer around the world,” Rodman said Thursday, ahead of Saturday's Olympic final between the U.S. women's national team and Brazil.
The American forward shrugged and said: “But yes, we want that gold. I love her, but we want to win.”
Marta, 38, is playing in her sixth Olympics with Brazil and has already announced that this will be her last major tournament. She has never won an Olympic or World Cup title.
Sophia Smith, 23, echoed Rodman's sentiments, saying Marta was the player she always watched in childhood highlights. She and her father studied them intently, Smith said, drawing inspiration from the way Marta controlled the ball and could spread the floor with her passes.
Playing against Marta now in the NWSL is “surreal,” Smith said, and something she never takes for granted.
“We wouldn't be here without Marta, who changed the game forever and continues to do so,” Smith said. “The fact that she plays in our league has helped us a lot. I don't think words can describe how grateful we are for a player like Marta who champions young players like us.”
But as effusive as she was, Smith also agreed with Rodman that there is no concern that Americans will feel too much reverence for Marta's legacy during Saturday's final.
“I know she would want us to give her the best of our game,” Smith said. “That's the highest level of respect you can give someone.”
