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United States Karina LeBlanc has transitioned from an accomplished Olympic soccer player to a FIFA Legend, UNICEF Ambassador, and influential speaker.
Karina LeBlanc was named UNICEF Canada's newest ambassador, using her platform to raise awareness and support for children's rights. She is actively involved in projects and advocacy for the organization.
Karina LeBlanc is recognized as a FIFA Legend for her significant contributions to international football, including five FIFA Women's World Cup appearances and her role in promoting the sport globally.
Karina LeBlanc assisted the WTA Tour with brand partnerships, leveraging her experience in sports marketing and her profile as a former elite athlete.
Karina LeBlanc was involved in pitches to promote women's sports alongside brands like Nike, the WNBA, and NWSL, contributing her veteran leadership and experience.
Karina LeBlanc, born on March 30, 1980, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a former professional soccer goalkeeper for the Canadian national team. She grew up in Dominica until age eight, when her family relocated to Maple Ridge, British Columbia. LeBlanc began playing soccer at age 12 and was recognized as a top Division I recruit in 1997. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and became a highly decorated goalkeeper for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1997 to 2000. During this time, she was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy in 2000 and named to the 2001 Umbro Select All-Star Classic Women’s Elite College Team.
LeBlanc’s professional career included playing for several teams in the United States, such as the Boston Breakers (WUSA), Los Angeles Sol (WPS), Philadelphia Independence (WPS), magicJack (WPS), Portland Thorns FC (NWSL), and Chicago Red Stars (NWSL). She was acquired fifth overall in the 2009 WPS General Draft by the Los Angeles Sol and was named to the 2009 WPS All-Star Team. In 2013, she joined Portland Thorns FC by weighted allocation and won the NWSL Championship the same year. Her international career with the Canadian national team began in 1998 at age 18. She participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups, including a fourth-place finish in 2003. LeBlanc also represented Canada at three Pan American Games, winning a gold medal in 2011 and a bronze in 2007.
A significant milestone in LeBlanc’s career was helping Canada secure a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking Canada’s first Olympic medal in a traditional team summer sport since 1936. She made her 100th appearance for Canada in March 2012 and retired from international soccer after the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Post-retirement, LeBlanc took on management roles, including Head of Women’s Football at CONCACAF in 2018 and General Manager of the Portland Thorns FC in 2021. In 2022, she was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame and appointed to the Order of Canada for her contributions to soccer and her advocacy for social change through sport. She also serves as a UNICEF Canada Ambassador, speaking at events like the United Nations General Assembly.
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