Christine Sinclair scored her first international goal at the age of 16 competing in the 2000 Algarve Cup. She has since become the FIFA all-time leading scorer in the history of international soccer and been named Canadian Female Soccer Player of the Year 14 times, nominated seven times for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, and, as captain of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, won three Olympic medals, including a history-making gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
A three-time Olympic medalist, Sinclair led the Canadian team in scoring at the 2012 Olympics, a feat that earned her the honour of Canada’s closing ceremony flag bearer. The national team won bronze at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Sinclair has also won the NWSL Championship three times with the Portland Thorns, where she has served as captain since their inaugural season in 2013.
Sinclair is known for her grit and humble character as much as her exceptional talent. She has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, among many other honours. Most recently, she was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Best Award, alongside her male counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, in recognition for their respective contribution to the sport of soccer.
Off the soccer pitch, Sinclair is an ambassador for the MS Society of Canada and vocal advocate for gender equality. Her memoir, Playing the Long Game, was published in November 2022 and serves as a rallying cry for better support of women’s soccer and the creation of a women’s professional league in Canada.
