Christine Margaret Sinclair (born June 12, 1983) is a Canadian former professional soccer player who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, she is the all-time leading goalscorer in international soccer for both men and women, with 190 goals. Sinclair served as the captain of the Canada women's national team from 2003 until her retirement from international play in 2023.
Early Life and College Career Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Sinclair began playing soccer at a young age. She attended the University of Portland, where she played for the Portland Pilots women's soccer team from 2000 to 2003. During her collegiate career, she led the Pilots to an NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship title in 2002 and was twice awarded the Hermann Trophy (2002, 2003) as the top collegiate player in the United States. She holds numerous university records for goals and points.
Club Career Sinclair's professional club career spanned various leagues in North America. She played for the Vancouver Breakers in the W-League before the league's restructuring. In 2009, she joined FC Gold Pride in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), winning the WPS Championship in 2010. She later played for Western New York Flash, winning another WPS Championship in 2011.
With the formation of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2013, Sinclair became a foundational player for Portland Thorns FC. She captained the Thorns to three NWSL Championship titles in 2013, 2017, and 2022, becoming a central figure in the league's history and for the Thorns franchise. She retired from professional club soccer at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.
International Career Sinclair made her senior debut for the Canada women's national team at the age of 16 in March 2000. Her international career spanned 23 years, during which she became the most capped Canadian player with 331 appearances.
- FIFA Women's World Cup: She participated in six FIFA Women's World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), becoming the first player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament (2003-2019).
- Olympic Games: Sinclair competed in four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020). She famously won the bronze medal with Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, where she set a new Olympic record for goals scored in a single tournament (6 goals), earning the Golden Boot. She led Canada to another bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her crowning achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (played in 2021), where she captained Canada to a historic gold medal, marking the nation's first Olympic gold in women's soccer.
On January 29, 2020, Sinclair scored her 185th international goal, surpassing Abby Wambach's record to become the all-time leading international goalscorer in soccer history. She retired from international play in December 2023, concluding her career with 190 goals.
Playing Style Sinclair was renowned for her exceptional goal-scoring ability, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities. She possessed a powerful shot, excellent aerial ability, and a keen sense of positioning, allowing her to score a diverse range of goals. Her composure under pressure and tireless work rate also defined her game.
Records and Achievements
- All-time leading international goalscorer (190 goals).
- Most capped Canadian player (331 appearances).
- First player to score in five consecutive FIFA Women's World Cups.
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2020
- Olympic Bronze Medals: 2012, 2016
- NWSL Championship: 2013, 2017, 2022
- 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year.
- Awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy (Canada's top athlete) in 2012.
- Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.
Legacy Christine Sinclair is celebrated as an icon of Canadian sports and a pioneer for women's soccer globally. Her longevity, consistent performance, and leadership have inspired a generation of athletes and significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of women's football. She concluded her career as one of the most decorated and respected figures in the sport.