Christine Sinclair

Christine Sinclair is celebrated as one of the greatest soccer players of all time and a trailblazer for women’s sports. As the all-time leading scorer in international soccer history, Sinclair has redefined what it means to lead both on and off the field, inspiring millions worldwide with her humility, grit, and unparalleled skill.

Born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, Sinclair grew up surrounded by soccer, with two uncles who played professionally in the North American Soccer League. She first laced up her cleats at age four and quickly rose through the ranks, competing for Canada’s under-18 national team before making her senior team debut at 16. Sinclair’s first international goal came during the 2000 Algarve Cup, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career that would span more than two decades.

Sinclair has represented Canada in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games, securing three Olympic medals, including an unforgettable gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her leadership at the 2012 Olympics, where she led Canada to a bronze medal and was the tournament’s leading scorer, earned her the honour of being Canada’s flag bearer at the closing ceremonies.

In 2020, Sinclair broke the international goal-scoring record with her 185th goal, surpassing American Abby Wambach’s previous record. The achievement was named Canada Soccer’s Moment of the Year and cemented her status as a soccer legend. Over her career, she was named Canadian Female Soccer Player of the Year 14 times and was nominated seven times for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

At the club level, Sinclair has achieved remarkable success, winning five professional championships, including three National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) titles with the Portland Thorns FC. She captained the Thorns from their inaugural season in 2013 and recently retired from the team in November 2024, marking the end of an era for one of the league’s most iconic players.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Sinclair is a tireless advocate for gender equality and a champion for social causes. She serves as an ambassador for the MS Society of Canada and has worked with the Canadian Women’s Foundation to support girls impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her memoir, Playing the Long Game, published in 2022, calls for greater investment in women’s soccer and the establishment of a Canadian professional women’s league.

Sinclair’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2023, she retired from international soccer, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the pitch, inspiring generations of young athletes to dream big and break barriers.