Canada’s soccer icon bids farewell to her international career
Christine Sinclair, the captain of Canada’s women’s national soccer team, will play her last game for her country on December 5, 2023, at BC Place in Vancouver. The stadium, which has hosted many memorable moments for Sinclair and her teammates, will be renamed “Christine Sinclair Place” for one night only, as a tribute to the soccer legend who has inspired generations of Canadians with her talent, leadership, and passion.
Sinclair, who was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, announced her retirement from international competition earlier this year, after leading Canada to its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. She holds the world record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals in 327 appearances. She has represented Canada in six World Cups, four Olympics, and numerous other tournaments, winning three Olympic medals, a Concacaf championship, and a Pan American Games gold medal.
She is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and has received many accolades and honors, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada, a 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year, a two-time Canadian Athlete of the Year, and the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade from 2010 to 2019.
A friendly match against a familiar foe
Sinclair’s farewell match will be a friendly against Australia, a team that Canada has faced many times in the past. The two sides have a balanced record, with eight wins, eight draws, and three losses each. They last met in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup, where Australia defeated Canada 4-0 and eliminated them from the tournament.
The match will be part of a two-game series, with the first game taking place on December 1 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, on Vancouver Island. The series will serve as a preparation for both teams for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where Canada will defend its title and Australia will hope to qualify.
The games will also be an opportunity for Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman to test some new players and tactics, as she looks to build on the success of Tokyo and create a new legacy for the team. Priestman, who took over the team in 2020, has praised Sinclair for her contribution and influence on the team, and said that she hopes to give her a proper send-off.
A celebration of a remarkable career and a lasting impact
The renaming of BC Place to Christine Sinclair Place is a gesture of appreciation and admiration for Sinclair’s achievements and legacy. BC Place, which has a capacity of 54,500, has been the venue for some of Sinclair’s most memorable games, such as the 2012 Olympic qualifier final, where she scored a hat-trick against Mexico, and the 2015 World Cup opener, where she scored a penalty against China in front of a record crowd of 53,058.
The stadium will also display banners and posters honoring Sinclair’s career, and fans will be able to buy commemorative merchandise and sign a giant card for her. Sinclair will also be presented with a special plaque and a framed jersey before the game, and will address the fans after the final whistle.
Sinclair has expressed her gratitude and excitement for the event, and said that she is looking forward to playing in front of her hometown crowd one last time. She also said that she is proud of what she has accomplished with the team, and that she hopes to inspire the next generation of players to follow their dreams and pursue their goals.
Sinclair will continue to play for her club team, Portland Thorns FC, in the National Women’s Soccer League, for one more season, before transitioning to a non-playing role in the sport. She will also remain involved in various charitable and social causes, such as the Sinclair Project, which aims to provide access to soccer for underprivileged children.
