Christine Sinclair

Christine Sinclair is one of the most influential athletes in Canadian history. She is also the most prolific goal scorer the world has seen. She served as captain of Canada’s Women’s National Soccer Team and Portland Thorns FC. Christine retired as the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer, with 190 goals scored across a remarkable 23-year career.

Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Christine grew up in a soccer-focused family and joined the South Burnaby Metro Club at age four. She quickly emerged as a standout talent, starring on BC provincial teams and making her national team debut at the 2000 Algarve Cup at only 16.

Christine went on to appear in 331 international matches, the second-most worldwide. She led Canada through four Olympic Games, earning bronze medals in 2012 and 2016 and a historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The victory, decided in a dramatic shootout against Sweden, marked Canada’s first Olympic gold in women’s soccer and is seen as one of the greatest achievements in Canadian sport.

She also excelled on the World Cup stage, scoring 10 goals across six tournaments and helping Canada reach fourth place in 2003. Christine added titles at the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Championship and the 2011 Pan American Games.

At the club level, she won championships with the Vancouver Whitecaps, FC Gold Pride, Western New York Flash, and three times with the Portland Thorns. She also led the University of Portland to two NCAA national titles.

Christine is a 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year. She received the Northern Star Award in 2012. In 2021, she earned the FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.

Her legacy extends far beyond records. Christine Sinclair’s leadership, resilience, and advocacy have expanded opportunities for girls and women in Canadian sport.