Christine Sinclair is a retired Canadian professional soccer player who has left an indelible mark on the sport, both nationally and internationally. Most recently, she played as a forward for the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and was a key member of the Canadian national team from 2000 until her retirement in 2023. Sinclair is celebrated as the world’s all-time leader in international goals scored, with an astonishing 190 goals, and is one of the most-capped players in history, with 331 appearances. Her accolades include an Olympic gold medal, two Olympic bronze medals, and 14 Canada Soccer Player of the Year awards.
Sinclair’s club career is equally impressive, having won championships with three professional teams: the 2010 WPS Championship with FC Gold Pride, the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash, and multiple NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC in 2013, 2017, and 2022. Her collegiate career at the University of Portland was marked by two national championships and numerous individual honors, including the prestigious Hermann Trophy. Sinclair’s leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in her teams’ successes, making her a standout player in every league she participated in.
On the international stage, Sinclair has represented Canada in six FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic tournaments, where she captained the national team to historic finishes, including a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her remarkable ability to perform in crucial matches has earned her recognition as a “big game” player, exemplified by her hat-trick against the United States in the 2012 Olympic semi-finals. Sinclair’s contributions to Canadian soccer have been transformative, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Beyond her on-field achievements, Sinclair has been a vocal advocate for women’s soccer, emphasizing the need for a professional league in Canada. Her legacy extends beyond statistics; she has been honored with numerous awards, including the Lou Marsh Trophy and the Order of Canada. As she transitions into retirement, Sinclair’s impact on the sport and her role as a trailblazer for women in soccer will be remembered for years to come.