Dennis Rodman’s Daughter Is the Unlikely Star of the Women’s World Cup—And She’s Playing Just Like Her Dad

Denise Rodman, the 25-year-old midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is stealing the show at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a fearless, physical style that mirrors her father’s NBA legacy. In her first two matches—against Vietnam and Portugal—she’s already become a fan favorite, combining Dennis Rodman’s signature aggression with elite technical skills. Her performance has sparked comparisons to her father’s high-flying NBA career, while also raising questions about how she’ll impact the U.S. team’s quest for a sixth World Cup title.

With the tournament in full swing at venues across Australia and New Zealand, Rodman’s emergence adds a new layer of intrigue to a competition where the U.S. is still searching for consistency. Here’s how she’s carving out her own path—and why her game could be the difference-maker for Team USA.

How Denise Rodman Took Over the U.S. Midfield in Just Two Matches

Denise Rodman didn’t just step onto the Women’s World Cup stage—she dominated it. In the U.S.’s 2–0 opener against Vietnam at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 21 (local time), she became the first American player to record a goal and an assist in her debut since Carli Lloyd in 2011. But it was her physical duels and relentless pressing that turned heads.

Against Portugal on July 25 at Adelaide Oval, Rodman sealed her reputation as the team’s breakout star. With the U.S. trailing 1–0 in the 89th minute, she intercepted a Portuguese through-ball, surged forward, and fired a first-time shot past goalkeeper Ana Faria to tie the game. The equalizer forced extra time, where the U.S. eventually won 2–1 on penalties.

Key stats from her first two matches:

—Data sourced from FIFA’s official match center and U.S. Soccer’s performance analytics.

Her style isn’t just about goals—it’s about intensity. Team USA head coach Becky Sauerbrunn described Rodman’s approach in a post-match press conference: “She plays with the same fire her dad had in the NBA. She’s not afraid to go for the ball, to challenge opponents, and to make the big play when it matters.”

Why Denise Rodman’s Breakout Could Be the Key to U.S. Success

The U.S. Women’s National Team has long been built on technical mastery and possession-based football. But in this tournament, they’ve struggled against physical, direct opponents—particularly in the midfield. Enter Rodman.

Her arrival in the starting lineup has shifted the team’s tactical balance. According to The Guardian’s tactical analysis, Sauerbrunn has deployed Rodman in a hybrid role: a “box-to-box” midfielder who can both shield the defense and surge forward. This mirrors the system used by her father during his prime in the NBA, where he combined defensive intensity with offensive versatility.

How her style contrasts with the U.S. midfield’s traditional approach:

• Physicality: Rodman leads the team in aerial duels (3 wins in two matches) and tackles (12 total), a rarity in a squad known for its technical play.
• Pressing: She ranks second on the team in high-pressure defensive actions, disrupting opposition builds.
• Clutch performances: Her goal against Portugal came in stoppage time, a signature of her father’s late-game heroics.

“She’s filling a gap that’s been missing for years,” said The New York Times’ soccer analyst Sophie Bishop. “The U.S. has always had players who can play out from the back, but they’ve lacked a true enforcer in the midfield. That’s exactly what Denise is.”

From NBA to World Cup: How Denise Is Channeling Her Father’s Influence

Dennis Rodman’s career was defined by his unmatched athleticism, trash-talking, and ability to dominate in high-pressure moments. Denise, who grew up watching her father’s games and training alongside him, has embraced a similar mindset.

“I’ve always loved sports, but watching my dad play taught me that heart and aggression matter just as much as skill,” Rodman told reporters after the Portugal match. “When I’m on the field, I want to leave it all out there—just like he did.”

Her father, now 59, has been vocal about her progress. In an interview with ESPN, he said: “She’s got the same hunger I had. She doesn’t back down from anyone. That’s the Rodman way.”

While Denise’s style is her own—she’s a product of the U.S. youth development system and her time at North Carolina—the parallels are undeniable. Both Rodmans thrive in moments when teams need a spark, whether it’s a game-winning shot or a defensive stand.

The U.S. Faces a Tough Road Ahead—Can Rodman Keep Them Alive?

The U.S. advances from Group B with a 2–0 record, but their path to the knockout round isn’t guaranteed. They’ll face either Sweden (who beat South Africa 4–0) or South Africa (who beat Sweden 2–1) in their final group match on July 30 (local time, UTC+10). A win secures a spot in the Round of 16.

If the U.S. progresses, they’ll likely face a formidable opponent in the knockout stage. Potential matchups include:

• Switzerland (who beat Spain 5–1 in their opener)
• Netherlands (who beat Portugal 2–0)
• Japan (who beat Spain 4–0 in the opening match)

Rodman’s role will be critical in these games. Her ability to disrupt opposition play and deliver in clutch moments could be the difference against teams that rely on physical midfielders, such as Sweden or Japan.

“She’s given us a player who can change the tempo of the game,” said FIFA’s technical observer Marco van Basten. “That’s invaluable in a tournament where possession-heavy teams are struggling to break down defenses.”

From Memes to Mainstream: How Denise Rodman Is Capturing Global Attention

Rodman’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Social media has exploded with comparisons to her father, memes of her celebrating goals in his signature style, and even a viral TikTok trend where fans edit NBA highlights to feature her Women’s World Cup moments.

In a BBC interview, Portuguese defender Leonor Teles admitted to being intimidated by Rodman’s physicality: “She’s like a smaller version of Dennis. She doesn’t care if you’re bigger or stronger—she’ll still win the ball.”

Even beyond the pitch, her story is resonating. As the daughter of one of the most polarizing figures in NBA history, she’s had to navigate a complex legacy. But on the field, she’s proving that her identity is her own.

Answers to Your Questions About Denise Rodman

Q: How does Denise Rodman’s playing style compare to her father’s?

A: Both are known for their physicality and ability to dominate in high-pressure moments. However, Denise plays a more technical, possession-based game than her father’s high-flying NBA style. She’s described her approach as “aggressive but smart”—a blend of her father’s intensity and her own soccer training.

Q: Will Denise Rodman start in the Round of 16 if the U.S. advances?

A: U.S. Soccer sources indicate she’s locked into the starting lineup for now, but injuries or tactical adjustments could change that. Her form has been too strong to ignore.

Q: Has Denise Rodman ever played professionally before the World Cup?

A: Yes. She played college soccer at the University of North Carolina (UNC) from 2017 to 2021, where she was a two-time All-American. She also spent time in the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage and currently plays for FC Rosengård in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan.

Denise Rodman’s story is still unfolding—will she carry the U.S. to another World Cup title, or is this just the beginning of her legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @USWNT to discuss how her game could shape the tournament.