You probably remember the 2015 MLS Cup. The smoke from the Timber Joey’s chainsaw was still hanging in the air when Rodney Wallace headed home the game-winning goal for Portland. It was one of those "where were you" moments for soccer fans in the Pacific Northwest. But for fans of Rodney Wallace Costa Rica was always the bigger picture. He wasn’t just a club legend; he was a man carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders for nearly a decade.
People often forget how close he came to missing his biggest dreams. Imagine being at the peak of your powers in 2013, helping your country qualify for the 2014 World Cup, only to have your knee explode in a playoff game months before the tournament. He watched the Ticos’ historic run to the quarterfinals from a couch, clutching a pair of crutches.
Honestly, most players would have folded.
But Rodney didn't. He fought back, won a championship, and finally set foot on the grass in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Today, however, you won't find him in a locker room. He’s retired from the professional game—officially hanging up the boots in 2021—and has pivoted into a world that’s a lot greener and, frankly, a lot more controversial for some old-school sports fans.
The Rodney Wallace Costa Rica Legacy: More Than Just Russia 2018
When we talk about his international career, everyone points to the Switzerland game in 2018. It was his World Cup debut. But his real impact on the Costa Rican national team started way back in 2011. He made his debut against the United States—the country where he grew up after moving from San José at age nine.
He didn't just play; he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win.
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Talk about a statement. Over the next seven years, he earned 32 caps and scored four goals for Los Ticos. He was the ultimate utility man. Need a left back who can overlap? Rodney. Need a winger who can track back and defend for 90 minutes? Rodney. He followed in the footsteps of his relative, Harold Wallace, who played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Soccer is basically in his DNA.
The 2018 cycle was his redemption arc. After the heartbreak of missing 2014, he became a fixture in the squad under Oscar Ramírez. He was part of the team that finished second in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, famously helping secure that ticket to Russia. While he only saw substitute minutes in the 2-2 draw with Switzerland, that appearance cemented his status as a national hero. He proved that longevity in international soccer isn't just about talent; it's about surviving the injuries that try to derail you.
A Career of Highs and Lows
- 2009: Drafted 6th overall by D.C. United.
- 2013: Breakout year with Portland; named an MLS All-Star.
- 2014: Missed the World Cup in Brazil due to a torn ACL.
- 2015: Scored the winning goal in the MLS Cup.
- 2018: Finally makes his World Cup debut for Costa Rica.
- 2021: Officially retires as a Portland Timber.
The Quiet Battle With Chronic Pain
The flashy goals and the World Cup appearances hide a pretty dark reality. By 2017, Rodney was falling apart physically. We're talking about hip pain so severe he could barely walk, let alone sprint past international defenders. He eventually had to undergo double hip resurfacing surgery.
That's basically a hip replacement for athletes.
He’s been very open about how he was "overdosing" on anti-inflammatories and traditional painkillers just to get through a training session. It’s a side of the sport people don't like to talk about. You see the 90 minutes of glory, but you don't see the guy struggling to get out of bed the next morning to play with his daughter.
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This struggle is what led him to the next chapter of his life. He found that CBD (cannabidiol) was the only thing that actually helped him manage the inflammation without the brain fog of heavy pharmaceuticals. At the time, using these products was still a bit of a "don't ask, don't tell" situation in professional sports leagues. He had to hide his tinctures in the locker room like he was doing something wrong.
Why REWIND is the New Mission
In 2020, Rodney launched REWIND, a wellness company focused on hemp-derived CBD products. He didn't just slap his name on a bottle for a paycheck. He built it because he felt the sports world was failing its athletes when it came to recovery.
He's been a vocal advocate for the "liberation" of cannabis in sports. Basically, he wants to remove the stigma that still lingers around these products. In 2026, we’re seeing more leagues relax their rules, but Rodney was one of the first high-profile MLS and international players to put his reputation on the line for it.
The company isn't just about selling oils and creams. He’s used the platform to give back, partnering with organizations like No Kid Hungry and the Loveland Foundation. It’s sort of his way of staying a "team player" even though he’s no longer on the pitch. He’s traded the Costa Rican jersey for a CEO’s suit, but the goal remains the same: helping people perform at their best.
What You Should Know About the Current Status of Rodney Wallace
If you're looking for him on a roster today, you won't find him. He’s fully committed to the business world and his family. He lives in the U.S. now but frequently returns to Costa Rica, maintaining his deep ties to the football federation and the culture that raised him.
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A lot of fans still ask if he’ll ever coach.
While he hasn't taken a formal coaching role with the national team, he’s often seen as a mentor for younger Tico players moving to MLS. He’s lived the "American Dream" of a migrant kid becoming a star, and he knows the pitfalls of that transition better than anyone.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes:
- Follow the Business: If you’re interested in the athlete-to-entrepreneur pipeline, watch his work with REWIND. It’s a blueprint for how to build a brand around a personal struggle.
- Respect the Recovery: For young soccer players, Rodney’s story is a lesson in not ignoring pain. His advocacy for CBD highlights a shift toward holistic recovery that is becoming the standard in 2026.
- National Team Watch: Keep an eye on the Costa Rican federation’s alumni events. Rodney is frequently involved in ambassadorial work, representing the era that put Costa Rica on the global map.
Rodney Wallace’s story isn't just about a guy who played for Rodney Wallace Costa Rica and won an MLS Cup. It’s about the brutal physical toll of professional sports and the courage it takes to start over when your body says "no more." He’s proving that there’s plenty of life left after the final whistle blows.
Stay updated on his latest ventures by following his social channels, where he continues to advocate for athlete health and the growth of soccer in both the U.S. and Central America.