Christine Sinclair facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Christine Sinclair
OC OBC OLY

Sinclair in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Christine Margaret Sinclair
Date of birth	(1983-06-12) June 12, 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Forward
Youth career
	South Burnaby Metro Club Bees
	Burnaby Girls SC
	Cliff Avenue United
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2001–2005	Portland Pilots	94	(53)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1999–2001	Vancouver UBC Alumni	4	(1)
2000	Vancouver Angels	19	(11)
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	(82)
International career‡
2001	Canada U-21	4	(7)
2002	Canada U-19	48	(22)
2000–2023	Canada	331	(190)
Medal record 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
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of November 1, 2024 ‡ 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 in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). From 2000 until her international retirement in 2023, she was a key member of the Canadian national team.

Sinclair is an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time Olympic bronze medalist. She is also a CONCACAF champion. She won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award 14 times. Sinclair holds the world record for most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals. She is also one of the most-capped international soccer players, with 331 appearances.

She played over 20 seasons with the national team. Sinclair participated in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic football tournaments. She captained the national team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. In 2020, she led them to a historic gold medal. 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. She also won the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash. With Portland Thorns FC, she won the NWSL Championship three times (2013, 2017, 2022). She also won two national college championships with the University of Portland.

Sinclair was nominated seven times for FIFA World Player of the Year. In 2012, she received the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete. She was also named Canada's female athlete of the year twice. In 2013, Sinclair was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. In 2017, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada. She received a special FIFA award in 2022 for being the world's all-time leading scorer. Sinclair was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025.

Early Life and Youth Soccer

Christine Sinclair was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, on June 12, 1983. She started playing soccer at age four. Her father and uncles were also Canadian soccer players.

As a child, Christine also played basketball and baseball. In a boys' baseball league, she was an all-star second baseman. She chose the number 12 to honor baseball star Roberto Alomar.

At age 11, Sinclair was chosen for British Columbia's under-14 girls' all-star soccer team. She led her club team to many league and provincial titles. She also led her high school soccer team to three championships. At 15, she watched matches at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. She joined Canada's under-18 national team before making her senior debut at age 16.

College Soccer Journey

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

In 2002, Sinclair led her college division with 26 goals. She scored two goals in the national championship game, winning the title for her team. She earned several national Player of the Year awards. She was also named 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 in 2004, scoring 22 goals. She won the West Coast Conference Player of the Year award again. She also received the Hermann Trophy, a top award for college soccer players.

In her final year, Sinclair set a new college record with 39 goals. She scored two goals in the national title game, winning another championship. She became the second player in conference history to win Player of the Year three times. She also won the Hermann Trophy for a second year in a row. Sinclair finished her college career with 110 goals and 32 assists in 94 games.

Professional Club Career

Starting Out

Sinclair began her senior club career as a teenager with Vancouver UBC Alumni. She won league titles and cups with them. She also played for the Vancouver Angels and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Winning Championships with FC Gold Pride

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

In 2009, Sinclair was drafted by FC Gold Pride for the new WPS league. She led her team with six goals in her first season.

In 2010, FC Gold Pride added star players like Marta. Sinclair scored two goals in the team's first game of the season. The team had a great season, finishing first in the regular standings. Sinclair scored two goals in the WPS Championship game, helping her team win 4–0.

Success with Western New York Flash

In 2011, Sinclair joined the Western New York Flash. She helped the team win the regular season championship with ten goals and eight assists. On August 27, 2011, Sinclair was named MVP of the WPS Championship Final. She scored a goal in the game and helped her team win in a penalty shootout.

Leading the Portland Thorns

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 said she only wanted to play in Portland.

As team captain, she played 20 games in 2013. She was the team's top scorer with eight goals. The Thorns finished third in the regular season. They won the championship final 2–0, with Sinclair scoring the final goal.

In 2017, she led the Thorns in scoring again 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. This helped them win the NWSL Fall Series.

In 2022, Sinclair captained the team to another NWSL Championship. 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 Highlights

Early Years and Becoming Captain (2000–2007)

Sinclair first played for the national team in early 2000 at age 16. She scored three goals in her first tournament. In 2002, she scored seven goals at the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup. Canada finished second, which qualified them for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. That same year, Sinclair played in the first FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. She scored a record ten goals, helping Canada finish second. She won the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Ball (MVP) awards.

At the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, Sinclair scored three goals. Canada had its best World Cup finish ever, placing fourth. After a team disagreement, Sinclair was named captain of the national team in 2006. She led the team to qualify for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. Later that year, she helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Olympic Debut and CONCACAF Gold (2008–2011)

In 2008, Canada qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing for the first time. Sinclair said it felt like "sweet revenge" to qualify. In China, Canada reached the quarter-finals but lost to the United States. Sinclair scored Canada's only goal in that game.

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 in 2010, she scored the winning goal in the CONCACAF Women's Championship final against Mexico. This was her first major championship title with the national team.

At the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Sinclair played with a broken nose in the opening game against Germany. She scored Canada's only goal in that game. Canada was eliminated early from the tournament. Sinclair later called it "the lowest point" in her soccer career. After this, a new coach, John Herdman, helped improve team morale. Later in 2011, Sinclair and the team won gold at the 2011 Pan American Games. She was also the Canadian flag bearer at the opening ceremonies.

London Olympics Bronze (2012)

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London started tough for Canada. But they advanced from the group stage. Sinclair scored two goals against South Africa. Canada then beat Great Britain 2–0 in the quarter-final, with Sinclair scoring the second goal.

In the semi-final against the United States, Sinclair scored a hat-trick (three goals). The game was tied 3–3 at the end of regular time. The US scored in extra time to win. This game was called "one of the best games ever." Sinclair and her teammates felt cheated by some referee decisions.

Sinclair was fined and suspended for four games for her comments about the referee. But she helped the team win a bronze medal against France. With six goals, Sinclair won the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer. She was also Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremonies. She received the Lou Marsh Trophy and Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada's top athlete.

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

After her suspension, Sinclair returned to play for Canada. In 2013, she made her 200th international appearance. She scored her 147th international goal in a win against Scotland.

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

Canada then focused on qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. They qualified for the Olympics. Sinclair surpassed American Mia Hamm to become second all-time in international goals. A month later, Canada won the 2016 Algarve Cup, beating Brazil in the final.

At the Olympic women's tournament, Canada won all three group games. They beat France in the quarter-final. They lost to Germany in the semi-final. In the bronze medal game, Sinclair scored the winning goal against Brazil. This earned Canada its second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.

International Goals Record and Olympic Gold (2017–2021)

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 editions. This matched the achievement of Brazilian star Marta. Canada was eliminated in the Round of 16.

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 pursue their dreams. Canada qualified for the Olympics but lost to the United States in the final.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Olympics by a year. In 2020, Sinclair received her second Bobbie Rosenfeld Award. Her 185th goal was named Canada Soccer's Moment of the Year.

On July 21, 2021, Sinclair played her 300th match for Canada at the Olympic women's tournament in Tokyo. She scored a goal in a 1–1 draw against Japan. Canada advanced to the quarter-finals and won a penalty shootout against Brazil.

In the semi-final against the United States, Canada won 1–0. Sinclair passed the ball to teammate Jessie Fleming for a penalty kick, which Fleming scored. This was Canada's first win over the United States in 20 years. In the final against Sweden, Sinclair won another penalty, which Fleming scored to tie the game. Canada won the gold medal in a penalty shootout. This was a historic moment for Canadian soccer. Sinclair was substituted before the shootout, but her leadership was key to the team's success.

Retirement from International Play (2022–2023)

After the Tokyo Olympics, Sinclair and other players spoke out about the need for a women's professional league in Canada. She said it was "a disaster" not to have one. In December 2022, she announced plans to help launch a league in 2025.

Sinclair also led discussions with the Canadian Soccer Association about funding for the women's national team. The team almost refused to play in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup due to these issues. Sinclair testified before the Canadian Parliament, criticizing the federation's treatment of the team.

Sinclair was named to the Canadian squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, her sixth World Cup. In the first game, she missed a penalty kick. She did not start in the second game, but came off the bench to help Canada win. In the final group match, Canada lost 4–0 to Australia and was eliminated. Sinclair was seen picking up grass from the field, suggesting it was her last World Cup.

After the World Cup, Sinclair helped Canada qualify for its fifth consecutive Olympic appearance. She played in the second match against Jamaica. On October 20, 2023, Sinclair announced her retirement from international soccer in December 2023. She played her final international match on December 5, 2023, a 1–0 win against Australia. The stadium was renamed "Christine Sinclair Place" for the day. Sinclair started the match and was involved in the winning goal. She was substituted in the 58th minute to a huge ovation. At her retirement, Sinclair's 331 international appearances were the second-most of all time.

Personal Life and Honors

Sinclair is a very private person. Since 2017, she has raised money for multiple sclerosis research, a disease her mother had. Her mother's death in 2022 led Sinclair to write her memoir, Playing the Long Game.

In 2013, Sinclair was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. She also received an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University. In 2015, she was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. On June 30, 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, a very high civilian award. 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 October 2024, Sinclair joined the ownership group for Vancouver Rise FC, a new soccer team.

Player Profile

Style of Play

Christine Sinclair is widely considered Canada's greatest soccer player ever. She is a fast, strong, and smart forward. She is known for her excellent ball skills, athleticism, and vision on the field. She is a very accurate scorer and can play as a striker or an attacking midfielder. She is also good at passing and creating chances for her teammates.

Sinclair is known as a "big game" player because she often scores in important matches. Her hat-trick against the United States in the 2012 Olympics is a great example. Besides her soccer skills, she is also known for her strong leadership and hard work on defense.

Career Statistics

Club

International

List of international goals scored by Christine Sinclair

Awards and Achievements

University of Portland Pilots

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

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

• USL W-League: 2006

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 National Team

• Summer Olympics: Gold Medal 2021, Bronze Medal 2012, 2016
• CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2010
• Pan American Games: Gold Medal 2011, Bronze Medal 2007
• Algarve Cup: 2016
• Cyprus Women's Cup: 2008, 2010, 2011
• Four Nations Tournament: 2015

Individual Honors

• The Best FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement: 2021
• Summer Olympic Golden Boot: 2012 (Top Scorer)
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Golden Ball: 2002 (MVP)
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Golden Boot: 2002 (Top Scorer)
• WPS Championship Final MVP: 2011
• Lou Marsh Award: 2012 (Canada's Athlete of the Year)
• Bobbie Rosenfeld Award: 2012, 2020 (Canada's Female Athlete of the Year)
• 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 (Top College Player)
• Canada Soccer Hall of Fame: 2025

Orders and Medals

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

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