Born: 1983 (Burnaby, British Columbia)
Biography:
Christine Margaret Sinclair OC OBC OLY (born June 12, 1983) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward and captains both National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Portland Thorns FC and the Canadian national team. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time.
Sinclair was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, to Bill and Sandra Sinclair. She began playing soccer at the age of four and showed immense talent from a young age. Her father, Bill Sinclair, and uncles Brian and Bruce Gant were all Canadian amateur soccer champions, with Brian and Bruce also playing at the professional level. This rich soccer heritage played a significant role in shaping Sinclair’s passion for the sport.
Alongside soccer, Sinclair also played basketball and baseball in her youth. In fact, she was part of the local under-11 all-star baseball team as a second baseman. Choosing the number 12 as a tribute to Toronto Blue Jays’ second baseman Hall of Famer, Roberto Alomar, Sinclair demonstrated her love for sports and her determination to succeed.
Sinclair’s soccer career took off when she was selected for British Columbia’s under-14 girls all-star team. Her exceptional skills and ability to score goals caught the attention of scouts, leading her to join the University of Portland’s women’s soccer team. During her time at the university, Sinclair’s talent continued to shine as she helped her team win the national collegiate Division I championship twice, in 2002 and 2005.
Sinclair’s success in college soccer paved the way for her professional career. She made her debut for Canada’s national team in 2000 at the age of 16 and quickly established herself as a key player. Over the years, she has participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments, winning numerous accolades and setting remarkable records.
Notably, Sinclair is the world’s all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer, across both men’s and women’s games, with an astounding 190 goals. She has also been recognized as the Canada Soccer Player of the Year 14 times, highlighting her consistent excellence and influence in the sport.
Sinclair’s achievements extend beyond individual accolades. She has played a crucial role in elevating women’s soccer in Canada and inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams. Throughout her career, she has been a role model for aspiring athletes, breaking barriers and showing that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated sports.
In addition to her success at the international level, Sinclair has also achieved great heights at the club level. She has won championships with three professional teams, including the 2010 WPS Championship with FC Gold Pride, the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash, and three NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC in 2013, 2017, and 2022. These achievements further solidify her status as one of the most accomplished soccer players in history.
Off the field, Sinclair has been recognized for her contributions to the sport and her impact on society. She won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year in 2012 and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada’s female athlete of the year. In 2013, she was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, and in 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Sinclair’s remarkable career and indomitable spirit have made her a national hero and a symbol of excellence in Canadian soccer. She continues to inspire generations of athletes with her skill, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist
– Two-time Olympic bronze medalist
– CONCACAF champion
– 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award
– World’s all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer (men or women) with 190 goals
– Second soccer player, male or female, to score at five World Cup editions
– Three-time NWSL Champion (2013, 2017, 2022)
– Two-time NCAA Division I champion with the University of Portland (2002, 2005)
– Best FIFA Special Award recipient in 2022