Canada’s most decorated soccer player, Christine Sinclair, will play her final match for the national team on Dec. 5 in Vancouver, where she will be honoured by fans, teammates and opponents alike. Sinclair, who holds the world record for most international goals scored by any player, male or female, has changed the trajectory of Canadian sports for the better with her remarkable career.
A humble star who inspired generations
Sinclair made her debut for Canada at the age of 16, and since then, she has been a consistent leader and performer for the team. She has played in six World Cups, four Olympics and three Pan American Games, winning two bronze medals, a gold medal and a silver medal respectively. She has also won four CONCACAF championships and two NWSL titles with her club, Portland Thorns FC.
Sinclair has been recognized with numerous awards and honours, including the Lou Marsh Trophy, the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award, the Order of Canada, the Canada Soccer Player of the Year and the FIFA World XI. She was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the highest individual honour in soccer, in 2012 and 2016.
Despite her achievements, Sinclair has always been a humble and gracious star, who preferred to let her actions speak louder than words. She has been a role model and an inspiration for many young soccer players, especially girls, who aspire to follow her footsteps. She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s soccer, gender equality and social justice.
A fierce competitor who never gave up
Sinclair’s career has been marked by many memorable moments, but perhaps none more so than her performance at the 2012 Olympics in London, where she scored six goals in six games, including a hat-trick against the United States in the semifinal. Although Canada lost that game in a controversial fashion, Sinclair’s display of skill, passion and resilience captivated the nation and the world.
Sinclair’s determination and perseverance have also been evident in her ability to overcome injuries, setbacks and disappointments. She has played through pain, recovered from surgeries and bounced back from losses. She has also adapted to different coaches, systems and teammates, always finding ways to contribute and improve.
Sinclair’s longevity and consistency have been remarkable, as she has maintained a high level of performance for over two decades. She has scored in every calendar year since 2000, and has netted 187 goals in 304 appearances for Canada. She has also played in every minute of Canada’s last three major tournaments, including the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, where she helped the team win its first ever gold medal.
A legend who will be missed but never forgotten
Sinclair’s farewell match will be a historic and emotional occasion, as she will be celebrated by her fans, teammates and opponents. The match, which will be against New Zealand, will take place at BC Place, the stadium where Sinclair scored her first and 100th international goals. The stadium will also be temporarily renamed as Christine Sinclair Stadium for the night, in honour of her legacy.
Sinclair’s impact on Canadian soccer and sports will be lasting and profound, as she has left behind a legacy of excellence, leadership and inspiration. She has also paved the way for the next generation of soccer players, who will carry on her legacy and strive to achieve even greater heights.
Sinclair has been a national treasure and a global icon, who has represented Canada with pride, dignity and class. She has been a humble star, a fierce competitor and a legend, who will be missed but never forgotten.
