Christine Sinclair facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Christine Sinclair
OC OBC OLY

Sinclair in 2016
Personal information
Date of birth	(1983-06-12) June 12, 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Height	1.75 m
Playing position	Forward
Youth career
	South Burnaby Metro Club Bees
	Burnaby Girls SC
	Cliff Avenue United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999–2001	Vancouver UBC Alumni
2000	Vancouver Angels
2001–2002	Vancouver Breakers	10	(9)
2006–2008	Vancouver Whitecaps FC	21	(10)
2009–2010	FC Gold Pride	40	(16)
2011–2012	Western New York Flash	15	(10)
2013–2024	Portland Thorns	204	(72)
National team‡
2001	Canada U-21	4	(5)
2002	Canada U-19	15	(22)
2000–2023	Canada	331	(190)
Honours Women's soccer Representing  Canada Olympic Games Gold 2020 Tokyo Team Bronze 2012 London Team Bronze 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team CONCACAF W Championship Winner 2010 Mexico Runner-up 2002 Canada-United States Runner-up 2006 United States Runner-up 2018 United States Runner-up 2022 Mexico Pan American Games Gold 2011 Guadalajara Team Bronze 2007 Rio de Janeiro Team FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Runner-up 2002 Canada
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of November 1, 2024. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of December 5, 2023

Christine Margaret Sinclair (born June 12, 1983) is a retired Canadian professional soccer player. She played as a forward for the Portland Thorns and the Canadian national team. She retired from international soccer in 2023.

Sinclair is famous for being the world's all-time leader in international goals. She scored 190 goals, more than any other player, male or female. She also played in 331 international games, making her one of the most-played international soccer players ever.

She won an Olympic gold medal and two Olympic bronze medals with the Canadian team. She also won a CONCACAF championship. Sinclair has been named the Canada Soccer Player of the Year 14 times.

Christine Sinclair played in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic football tournaments. She led the national team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and a gold medal in 2020. She is one of only three players to score in five different World Cup tournaments.

At the club level, Sinclair won championships with three professional teams. These include the 2010 WPS Championship with FC Gold Pride and the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash. She also won three NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC (2013, 2017, 2022). She won two national college championships with the University of Portland.

Sinclair was nominated seven times for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. In 2012, she won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete. She also won the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award twice as Canada's top female athlete (2012, 2020). In 2013, she was added to Canada's Walk of Fame. In 2017, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2022, she received a special FIFA award for being the world's top goal scorer.

Early Life and Soccer Start

Christine Sinclair was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, on June 12, 1983. She started playing soccer when she was just four years old. Her father and uncles were also Canadian amateur soccer champions. Some of them even played professionally.

As a child, Christine also played basketball and baseball. She was a talented baseball player, making the under-11 all-star team as a second baseman. She chose the number 12 as a tribute to her favorite baseball player, Roberto Alomar.

At age 11, Sinclair was chosen for British Columbia's under-14 girls all-star soccer team. She led her club team, Burnaby Girls Soccer Club, to many league and provincial titles. She also helped her high school soccer team win three championships. When she was 15, she watched the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup games in Portland, Oregon. She joined Canada's under-18 national team before playing for the senior national team at age 16. She scored three goals in her first senior tournament, the 2000 Algarve Cup.

College Soccer Career

In 2001, Sinclair joined the University of Portland soccer team, the Portland Pilots. She quickly became a star player. In her first year, she scored 23 goals and had eight assists. She was named Freshman of the Year and an All-America player.

In 2002, her second season, Sinclair scored 26 goals, leading all players in her division. She scored two goals in the national championship game, helping the Pilots win the title. She won three national Player of the Year awards and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy. She was also named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year.

Sinclair took a break from college soccer in 2003 to play for Canada in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. She returned to Portland in 2004, scoring 22 goals. She won the West Coast Conference Player of the Year and the Hermann Trophy again.

In her final year, 2005, Sinclair set a new record with 39 goals. She scored two goals in the national title game, helping her team win again. She also set a record for 25 goals in NCAA tournament games. She won the Hermann Trophy for the second year in a row. Sinclair finished her college career with 110 goals and 32 assists in 94 games.

Professional Club Career

Early Club Teams

From 2006 to 2008, Sinclair played for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the USL W-League.

FC Gold Pride

Sinclair (far right) with FC Gold Pride won the 2010 WPS Championship Trophy

In 2009, Sinclair was chosen by FC Gold Pride for the new WPS league. She scored six goals in her first season. In 2010, her team added star players like Marta. Sinclair scored two goals in their first game of the season.

FC Gold Pride had a great 2010 season, finishing first in the league. Sinclair scored two goals in the WPS Championship game, helping her team win 4–0. However, the club closed down after that season due to financial problems.

Western New York Flash

In 2011, Sinclair joined the Western New York Flash. She helped them win the regular season championship, leading the team with ten goals and eight assists. She was named MVP of the 2011 WPS Championship Final. The Flash won the championship in a penalty shootout, with Sinclair scoring one of the penalty kicks.

Portland Thorns FC

Sinclair with the Portland Thorns in 2013

In 2013, Sinclair joined the Portland Thorns FC for the first season of the National Women's Soccer League. She had told the league she only wanted to play in Portland. As team captain, she played in 20 games and scored eight goals, tying for the team's top scorer.

The Thorns finished third in the regular season but won the championship. Sinclair scored a goal in the final to help the Thorns defeat the Western New York Flash 2–0.

In 2017, she led the Thorns with eight goals. The team finished second and won their second NWSL championship. In the 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinclair led the Thorns with six goals. She helped them win the NWSL Fall Series.

In 2022, Sinclair captained the team to another championship title. She set a league record for most playoff minutes played. On September 27, 2024, Sinclair announced she would retire from club soccer at the end of the 2024 NWSL season.

International Career for Canada

Early Years and Becoming Captain (2000–2007)

Christine Sinclair first played for the Canadian national team in early 2000 at age 16. She scored her first goals at the 2000 Algarve Cup. In 2002, she scored seven goals at the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup. Canada finished second, which helped them qualify for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. That same year, Sinclair played in the first FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship. She scored a record ten goals, helping Canada finish second. She won the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Ball (best player) awards.

At the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, Canada made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time. Sinclair scored three goals in the tournament. Canada finished fourth, their best result at that time.

In 2006, Sinclair was named captain of the national team. She led the team to qualify for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. She scored two goals against Ghana and another against Australia. Canada was eliminated in the group stage. Later that year, she led the team to a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Olympic Debut and World Cup Challenges (2008–2011)

In 2008, Canada qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing for the first time. Sinclair scored Canada's only goal in their quarter-final loss to the United States.

On February 20, 2010, Sinclair scored her 100th international goal. She also broke the Canadian women's national team appearance record. She was the first Canadian woman to score 100 international goals. Later that year, Canada won the 2010 CONCACAF Women's Championship, with Sinclair scoring the winning goal in the final. This was her first major championship title with the national team.

The 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup was tough for Canada. In their opening game against Germany, Sinclair broke her nose but kept playing and scored Canada's only goal. She had to wear a protective mask for the rest of the tournament. Canada lost all their games and was eliminated early. Sinclair later called it "the lowest point" in her soccer career. After the World Cup, Sinclair and the team won gold at the 2011 Pan American Games. She was also the Canadian flagbearer at the opening ceremonies.

London Olympics Bronze (2012)

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London started slowly for Canada. But they made it to the quarter-finals, where Sinclair scored a goal to help them beat Great Britain 2–0.

In the semi-final against the United States, Sinclair scored an amazing hat-trick (three goals). The game was tied 3–3 at the end of regular time. The United States scored in extra time to win. The game was very exciting and also controversial due to some referee decisions. Sinclair and her coach felt the referee's calls were unfair.

Despite the loss, Sinclair helped Canada win the bronze medal game against France. With six goals in the tournament, she won the Golden Boot award as the top scorer. She was chosen as Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremonies. She also won the Lou Marsh Trophy and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada's top athlete.

Home World Cup and Rio Olympics Bronze (2013–2016)

After a suspension related to her comments about the referee in London, Sinclair returned to play. In 2013, she played her 200th international game and scored her 147th goal.

The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup was held in Canada. Sinclair was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. She scored Canada's only goal in their opening 1–0 win against China. Canada reached the quarter-finals but lost to England 2–1, with Sinclair scoring Canada's goal.

In 2016, Canada qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Sinclair helped Canada win the 2016 Algarve Cup. At the Olympics, Canada won all their group games. They beat France in the quarter-finals. In the bronze medal game, Sinclair scored the winning goal against Brazil, securing another Olympic bronze medal for Canada.

International Goals Record and Retirement (2017–2023)

Leading up to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Sinclair was close to breaking the international goals record. She scored her 181st goal before the tournament. At the World Cup, she scored her tenth goal in five different World Cup tournaments, matching Marta's record. Canada was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a penalty kick was missed.

In 2020, Sinclair scored her 184th and 185th international goals against St. Kitts and Nevis. This made her the all-time leading scorer in international soccer, for both men and women. She said her goal was to inspire young girls to follow their dreams. Canada qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic).

Olympic Gold (2021)

On July 21, 2021, Sinclair played her 300th game for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics. She scored a goal in a 1–1 draw against Japan. Canada reached the quarter-finals and won a penalty shootout against Brazil.

In the semi-final against the United States, Sinclair passed the ball to teammate Jessie Fleming to take a penalty kick. Fleming scored, and Canada won 1–0. This was Canada's first win over the United States in 20 years and sent them to the Olympic final for the first time.

In the final against Sweden, Sinclair won a penalty, which Fleming scored to tie the game. After a 1–1 draw, Canada won 3–2 on penalty kicks, earning their first Olympic gold medal in women's soccer. Even though Sinclair didn't play in the final penalty shootout, her leadership and long career were seen as key to the team's success.

Final Years and Retirement (2022–2023)

After the Tokyo Olympics, Sinclair became a strong voice for creating a professional women's soccer league in Canada. She felt it was important for the national team's future. She even helped announce plans to launch a new league in 2025.

Sinclair also spoke out about funding issues for the women's national team. In February 2023, the team almost went on strike due to these problems. Sinclair testified before the Canadian Parliament, criticizing the soccer federation's treatment of the team.

Sinclair played in her sixth 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Canada was eliminated in the group stage. Sinclair came off the bench in some games and was seen picking up grass from the field, suggesting it was her last World Cup.

On October 20, 2023, Sinclair announced she would retire from international soccer in December. She played her final international match on December 5, a 1–0 win against Australia in Vancouver. The stadium was even renamed "Christine Sinclair Place" for the day. She was substituted in the 58th minute to a huge ovation. At her retirement, Sinclair had played 331 international games, the second-most all-time.

Personal Life

Christine Sinclair is a very private person. She doesn't often talk about her personal life. However, since 2017, she has been active in raising money for research and treatment of multiple sclerosis, a disease her mother had. After her mother passed away in 2022, Sinclair wrote a book about her life and career called Playing the Long Game: A Memoir.

Sinclair has received many honors. She was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2013. In 2015, she was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. In 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, a very high award for civilians. She said it was "surreal" to be recognized by her country.

In June 2021, her hometown of Burnaby renamed a sports facility the Christine Sinclair Community Centre in her honor. In October 2024, it was announced that Sinclair would become part of the ownership group for a new women's soccer team, Vancouver Rise FC.

Player Profile

Christine Sinclair is widely considered Canada's greatest soccer player ever. She is known for being a fast, strong, and smart forward. She has excellent ball skills, athleticism, technique, and can see the whole field. She is a very accurate scorer and can also play as an advanced playmaker. This means she can pass well, understand the game, and create scoring chances for her teammates.

Sinclair is also good at scoring from free-kicks and penalties. People often call her a "big game" player because she scores important goals in major matches, like her hat-trick against the United States in the 2012 Olympics. Besides her soccer skills, she is known for her strong leadership and hard work on defense.

Career Statistics

Club

International

List of international goals scored by Christine Sinclair

Honours

University of Portland Pilots

• NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship: 2002, 2005

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

• USL W-League: 2006 USL W-League season

FC Gold Pride

• WPS Championship: 2010

Western New York Flash

• WPS Championship: 2011

Portland Thorns FC

• NWSL Championship: 2013, 2017, 2022
• NWSL Shield: 2016, 2021
• NWSL Challenge Cup: 2021
• NWSL Community Shield: 2020
• International Champions Cup: 2021

Canada

• Summer Olympics: 2021
• CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2010
• Pan American Games: 2011
• Algarve Cup: 2016
• Cyprus Women's Cup: 2008, 2010, 2011
• Four Nations Tournament: 2015

Individual

• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2002 (6th), 2005 (candidate), 2006 (candidate), 2007 (candidate), 2008 (8th), 2010 (7th), 2012 (5th), 2016 (8th)
• The Best FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement: 2021
• Canada Soccer President's Award: 2022
• IFFHS CONCACAF Women's Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• Summer Olympic Golden Boot: 2012
• CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup Best XI: 2002
• CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup Golden Boot: 2002, 2006
• Pan American Games Golden Boot: 2011
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Golden Ball: 2002
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Best XI: 2002
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Golden Boot: 2002
• Algarve Cup Top Scorer: 2018
• Cyprus Women's Cup Top Scorer: 2008, 2009
• WPS Championship Final MVP: 2011
• WPS Best XI: 2011
• NWSL Second XI: 2013, 2018
• Lou Marsh Award: 2012
• Bobbie Rosenfeld Award: 2012, 2020
• Canadian Player of the Decade: 2010-2019
• Canadian Player of the Year: 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018
• MAC Hermann Trophy: 2004, 2005
• Thorns Supporters Player of the Year: 2018

Orders

• Order of British Columbia (OBC)
• Officer of the Order of Canada (OC)
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Images for kids

• 

  Sinclair in 2016

• 

  Sinclair (far right) with FC Gold Pride won the 2010 WPS Championship Trophy

• 

  Sinclair with the Portland Thorns in 2013

See also

In Spanish: Christine Sinclair para niños

• List of women's footballers with 100 or more international goals
• List of women's footballers with 100 or more caps
• List of Olympic medalists in football
• List of inductees of Canada's Walk of Fame
• List of FC Gold Pride players
• List of Vancouver Whitecaps Women players
• List of Academic All-America Team Members of the Year
• List of recipients of Today's Top 10 Award
• List of Canadian sports personalities