Wikipedia

Christine Sinclair

Christine Margaret Sinclair (born June 12, 1983) is a retired Canadian professional soccer player who most recently played as a forward for the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and, from 2000 until her retirement from international soccer in 2023, was a member of the Canadian national team. An Olympic gold medallist, two-time Olympic bronze medallist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award,[8] Sinclair is officially the world's all-time leader for international goals scored for men or women with 190 goals, and is one of the most-capped international soccer players with 331 appearances.[9]

Christine Sinclair
OC OBC OLY[1][2]
Sinclair in 2016
Personal information
Full name Christine Margaret Sinclair[3]
Date of birth (1983-06-12) June 12, 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[4]
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 (110)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2001 Vancouver UBC Alumni
2000 Vancouver Angels
2001–2002 Vancouver Breakers[6] 10 (9)
2006–2008 Vancouver Whitecaps FC[7] 21 (10)
2009–2010 FC Gold Pride 40 (16)
2011–2012 Western New York Flash 15 (10)
2013–2024 Portland Thorns 204 (72)
International career‡
2001 Canada U-21[5] 4 (5)
2002 Canada U-19 15 (22)
2000–2023 Canada 331 (190)
Medal record
Women's soccer
Representing  Canada
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2020 Tokyo Team
Bronze medal – third place 2012 London Team
Bronze medal – third place 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 medal – first place 2011 Guadalajara Team
Bronze medal – third place 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

Having played over 20 seasons with the senior national team, Sinclair has participated in six FIFA Women's World Cups (United States 2003, China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015, France 2019, Australia and New Zealand 2023) and four Olympic football tournaments (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), captaining the national team to third-place finishes in 2012 and 2016 and first place in 2020. She is one of three players to score at five World Cup editions, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo.[10]

At the club level, Sinclair has won championships with three professional teams: the 2010 WPS Championship with FC Gold Pride, the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash, and the 2013, 2017, and 2022 NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC. She won the national collegiate Division I championship twice (2002, 2005) with the University of Portland.[11][12]

Sinclair was shortlisted for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year seven times (2005–08, 2010, 2012, and 2016), and was referred to by college teammate and international rival Megan Rapinoe as the best player to never win the award.[13] She received the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's athlete of the year in 2012, the first soccer player so honoured, and was a two-time recipient of the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada's female athlete of the year (2012, 2020). In September 2013, Sinclair was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame and in June 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston.[1][14] Sinclair received the Best FIFA Special Award in recognition of her status as the world's all-time leading scorer in 2022.[15]

Early life

edit

Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, to Bill and Sandra Sinclair on June 12, 1983,[16] Sinclair began playing soccer at the age of four for an under-7 team.[17][18] Her father Bill Sinclair (1972) and uncles Brian (1972) and Bruce Gant (1990) were all Canadian amateur soccer champions while Brian and Bruce also played at the professional level. Her father Bill played for the University of British Columbia and the New Westminster Blues in the Pacific Coast Soccer League.

Christine Sinclair also played basketball and baseball as a youth.[17] Playing in a Burnaby boys' baseball league, she made the local under-11 all-star team as a second baseman. With the team, she chose the number 12 as a tribute to Toronto Blue Jays' second baseman Hall of Famer, Roberto Alomar.[19]

Sinclair was selected to British Columbia's under-14 girls all-star soccer team at age 11 and led club team Burnaby Girls Soccer Club to six league titles, five provincial titles, and two top-five national finishes.[17] She attended Burnaby South Secondary School where she led the soccer team to three league championships.[17] At age 15, she attended matches of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in Portland, Oregon.[18] She played for Canada's under-18 national team before making her debut at the senior level at age 16 at the 2000 Algarve Cup where she scored three goals.[17]

College career

edit

In 2001, Sinclair arrived at the University of Portland where she made an immediate impact on an already formidable soccer program. She recorded 23 goals and eight assists in her first season, leading all first-year students in NCAA Division I total scoring. She was named Freshman of the Year by Soccer America,[20] and was a consensus All-America selection.[11]

"Coming into that program, (head coach) Clive (Charles) saw me as a young player, but a leader on the team. He expected a lot from me even as a freshman. I had experienced it before, being young and being in the national team travelling the world. It was such a smooth transition for me and the fact that it was a small school really helped me. I think I would've gotten lost in some of those bigger schools."

— Christine Sinclair[21]

During her second season with the Pilots in 2002, Sinclair led Division I in goals with 26.[11] She scored two goals during the national championship game against conference rival Santa Clara, the second of which was a golden goal that won the Pilots the national championship.[11] Sinclair earned three different national Player of the Year honours, and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy. Named West Coast Conference Player of the Year, she earned All-American honours for the second consecutive year.[11] In the wake of her success for the Canadian national teams and American collegiate soccer, she was named by The Globe and Mail as one of the 25 most influential people in Canadian sports the same year.[22]

Sinclair chose to redshirt the 2003 season to play for Canada at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. She returned to Portland in 2004 and scored 22 goals for the Pilots.[11] Following the season, she was named West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year, received All-American honours, and was awarded the Hermann Trophy.[23]

During Sinclair's senior year at Portland, she set an all-time Division I goal-scoring record with 39.[24] She capped off her collegiate career with two goals in a 4–0 rout of UCLA in the national title game. This performance also gave her a career total of 25 goals in NCAA tournament play,[23] also a record. She was named WCC Player of the Year becoming the second player in conference history to be honoured three times.[11] Sinclair was also named Academic All-American of the Year by ESPN The Magazine after graduating with a 3.75 grade point average in life sciences.[25] She was awarded the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy,[23] becoming the fourth player and third woman to win it in back-to-back years. As a result of her record-setting season, Sinclair went on to win the Honda Sports Award as the nation's top soccer player,[26] as well as the Honda-Broderick Cup, as the college woman athlete of the year.[27][24] She became the third soccer player to win the award, joining Mia Hamm and Cindy Daws.[28] Sinclair finished her collegiate career with 110 goals and 32 assists in 94 games.[17]

Club career

edit

Early career

edit

Sinclair started her senior career as a teenager with Vancouver UBC Alumni where she won Metro Soccer League titles, the BC Cup, and a runners up medal at Canada Soccer's 2000 National Championships. She played youth soccer and high school soccer at the same time and got her first call up to Canadian youth team in 1999. She also played for the Vancouver Angels in the Women's Premier Soccer League (2000) and the Vancouver Breakers / Vancouver Whitecaps in the USL W-League.

In 2000, Sinclair helped the Vancouver Angels finish in fourth place in the WPSL, although she missed the first few matches of the season while representing Canada at the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup. She scored her first WPSL goal on 15 July 2000 in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Ajax at Coquitlam Town Centre.

FC Gold Pride

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

Sinclair was selected by FC Gold Pride eighth overall in the 2008 WPS International Draft for the inaugural season of top-tier American league Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).[29] Despite her team-leading six goals,[30] FC Gold Pride finished last in the regular season standings during the 2009 season.[31]

Leading into the 2010 season, FC Gold Pride made several changes to their roster including adding Brazilian international Marta, French international Camille Abily, and United States national team defender and midfielder Shannon Boxx.[32] During the team's home opener of the 2010 season against 2009 WPS champion, Sky Blue FC, Sinclair scored twice leading the team to a 3–1 win.[33] She was named WPS Player of the Week for week 14 of the season after scoring two goals against second-place team, Philadelphia Independence.[34][35] The team dominated the season,[32] finishing first during the regular season after defeating the Philadelphia Independence 4–1 with goals from Sinclair, Marta, and Kelley O'Hara.[36]

As the regular season champion, FC Gold Pride earned a direct route to the championship playoff game where they faced the Philadelphia Independence.[37][38] Sinclair contributed two goals to FC Gold Pride's 4–0 win to clinch the WPS Championship.[39] Despite their successful season, the club ceased operations on November 16, 2010, due to not meeting the league's financial reserve requirement.[32]

Western New York Flash

edit

"I can't praise Christine Sinclair enough...She's just a world-class soccer player. What she has given us this year—she's given us everything."

– Aaran Lines, Western New York Flash head coach[40]

On December 10, 2010, Western New York Flash announced that they had agreed to terms with the Canadian striker for the 2011 season. Sinclair helped guide the team to the regular season championship, leading the club with ten goals and eight assists.[17] On August 27, 2011, Sinclair was named MVP of the 2011 WPS Championship Final after the Flash won the championship in Rochester, New York. Sinclair's goal in the 64th minute gave the Flash a 1–0 lead over Philadelphia. When the game was forced to penalty kicks, Sinclair stepped up and completed the second one as the Flash players converted all five of their attempts.[41]

Portland Thorns FC

edit
 
Sinclair with the Portland Thorns in 2013

On January 11, 2013, it was announced that Sinclair would play for the Portland Thorns FC for the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League via the NWSL Player Allocation.[42] Sinclair said she had told the league upon its founding that she would only play in Portland.[43]

Playing as team captain, she appeared in 20 games in the 2013 season and tied with Alex Morgan as the top scorer on the team with eight goals.[44] Sinclair was named the league's Player of the Month for the month of April after scoring two goals and serving one assist to help the team secure a 2–0–1 record.[45]

After finishing third during the regular season, the Thorns advanced to the playoffs where they defeated second-place team FC Kansas City 3–2 during overtime.[46][47] During the championship final against regular season champions Western New York Flash, Sinclair scored the final goal to defeat the Flash 2–0.[48]

In the 2017 season, she led the Thorns in scoring with eight goals during the regular season, with the team finishing second. In the playoffs, she scored a goal, tying the record for NWSL playoff goals, en route to the team's second championship in the NWSL Final.[49] In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Sinclair led the Thorns with six goals, five more than any of her teammates, helping the Thorns win the NWSL Fall Series.[50]

In 2022, Sinclair captained the team to a second-place finish in the regular season and a third championship title. She set the league record for most playoff minutes played.[51]

On September 27, 2024, Sinclair announced her retirement from club soccer at the end of the 2024 NWSL season.[52]

International career

edit

Early years and rise to captaincy (2000–2007)

edit

Sinclair played for Canada's under-18 national team before she got her first call up to the national team in early 2000 under newly-hired Head Coach Even Pellerud. She scored her first (unofficial) Canada goal in an exhibition match against the Metro League All-Stars.[53] She then traveled with the squad to the 2000 Algarve Cup where she was the tournament's co-second leading scorer with three goals.[17] She scored seven goals for Canada at the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, tying her for the tournament lead with Canadian team captain Charmaine Hooper and U.S. player Tiffeny Milbrett, a fellow Portland alumna.[17] Canada finished second at the Gold Cup, qualifying them to the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup.[54] The same year, Sinclair represented Canada at the inaugural FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. Her record-setting ten goals in the tournament helped lead Canada to a second-place finish and earned her both the Golden Boot as leading scorer and Golden Ball as tournament MVP.[17][54]

Canada's FIFA Women's World Cup squad for the 2003 edition in the United States was subsequently remembered for its mix of veteran players like Hooper and younger members like Sinclair, Diana Matheson, and Erin McLeod.[55][56] During the team's first group stage match against Germany, she scored the first goal of the match in the fourth minute. Germany scored four goals to defeat Canada 4–1.[57] After defeating Argentina 3–0,[58] the team faced Japan in their last group stage match of the tournament. With goals from Sinclair and teammates Christine Latham and Kara Lang, Canada won 3–1 and placed second in their group to advance to the knockout stage.[59] Canada faced defending silver medalists China in the quarterfinal match on October 2 in Portland, Oregon and won 1–0 with the lone goal scored by Hooper in the seventh minute.[60] Having remained winless in all previous World Cup tournaments, Canada's advancement to the semi-final was a historic change for the team.[59] Canada was defeated by Sweden in the semi-final match 2–1[61] and faced the United States in the third-place match where they were defeated 3–1 and finished fourth at the tournament. Sinclair scored Canada's goal in the 38th minute.[62] In all, she scored three goals for Canada on their way to a surprising fourth-place finish, their best in that competition to date.[63][17]

Following the success at the World Cup, Sinclair and her teammates had high expectations of qualifying to the women's tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. However, they were defeated by Mexico in the qualifying tournament semi-final, and thus did not obtain one of the two berths allotted to CONCACAF.[64]

Sinclair's rapid ascendancy within the team was accelerated further by a major controversy between coach Even Pellerud and veteran players Hooper, Christine Latham and Sharolta Nonen, with the latter publicly attacking the former's management of the team and alleged interference in domestic club matters. As a result, Pellerud did not include the players in the roster, and Sinclair was named captain of the team in advance of the 2006 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup.[65] Subsequent arbitration sided with Pellerud, marking the end of the twenty-year national team career of Hooper. Sinclair opined that "it's an unfortunate way to go out but that's her choice."[66]

Canada's results at the Gold Cup qualified them for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. During Canada's first group stage match, the team faced Norway and were defeated 2–1.[67] Sinclair scored a brace in the team's next group stage match against Ghana helping Canada win 4–0.[68] She scored another goal in the 85th minute of the team's final group stage match against Australia, which would have been sufficient to advance to the knockout stage had it held, but Australia equalized in stoppage time and Canada exited the tournament.[69][70][54][56] Later in the year, Sinclair led the team to a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.[54]

Olympic debut, CONCACAF gold, and World Cup nadir (2008–2011)

edit

In a rematch of the Olympic qualifying semi-final of four years' prior, Canada defeated Mexico in the qualifying tournament for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, reaching the Olympic Games for the first time after finishing second to the United States in the event final. Sinclair said it "was sweet revenge, absolutely perfect."[64] In China, Canada advanced out of the group stage before being defeated by the United States, the eventual gold medalists, in their quarter-final match, with Sinclair scoring Canada's lone goal in the 2–1 loss. Despite this, she said "we did pretty well," while adding "obviously we would have liked to go farther."[71]

Appearing in a friendly match against Poland on February 20, 2010, Sinclair scored her 100th career goal and broke the Canadian women's national team appearance record of 132 previously set by former teammate Andrea Neil.[72] She was the first Canadian, and tenth woman overall, to score 100 international goals.[54] Later in the year, at the 2010 CONCACAF Women's Championship, the team reached the event final, where Sinclair scored the game-winning goal in a victory over Mexico. This was the first major championship title of Sinclair's national team career, and qualified them to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.[73][74][17] Upon receiving her sixth consecutive award as Canadian player of the year, she said that "there's no doubt in my mind that we can do some damage at the World Cup."[73]

The leadup to the 2011 World Cup was dogged by disputes with the Canadian Soccer Association over funding the compensation issues, which prompted coach Carolina Morace to announce that she would leave her post following the end of the tournament. Sinclair led the players on strike in support of Morace.[75] Ultimately, Morace agreed to continue after negotiations.[76]

At the World Cup, Canada faced host nation Germany in its opening game, losing 2–1. Despite having her nose broken by an elbow from a German defender, Sinclair refused to be taken out of the game and scored Canada's lone goal of the game.[77] The broken nose required Sinclair to wear a protective mask for the remainder of the tournament which hampered her play since she could not see properly.[78] The next game was a 4–0 rout at the hands of France that formally eliminated Canada from the tournament.[79] She would later describe it was "the lowest point in my soccer career, the worst game I'd ever seen our team play."[80] They went on to lose 1–0 to Nigeria, leaving Sinclair's goal against Germany as the team's only one in the tournament.[81]

Following the disappointment in Germany, Morace unexpecteldy quit and was replaced by John Herdman, who made it a priority to revive team morale.[82][83] He would regularly cite photographs of Sinclair's "deflated" expression after the loss to France as a motivation to improve the team's performance.[80] Later the same year, Sinclair and the team won gold at the 2011 Pan American Games.[54] She also served as the Canadian flagbearer at the opening ceremonies.[84]

London Olympics (2012)

edit

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London began in unpromising fashion for the Canadian team, who lost their opening game to Japan. After defeating South Africa and drawing Sweden, Canada nevertheless advanced out of the group stage as the third seed, led by performances from Sinclair and Melissa Tancredi.[74] Sinclair scored two goals against the South Africans.[85] Canada faced host nation Great Britain in the quarter-final, defeating them 2–0, with Sinclair scoring the second goal of the match.[86]

The Olympic semi-final was held at the historic Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C., on August 6. Canada faced its longtime rival the United States, with the latter heavily favoured. Sinclair scored the match's opening goal in the first half, beginning a back-and-forth with the Americans that saw the game tied at 3–3 at the end of regulation, Sinclair having recorded a hat-trick, before Alex Morgan scored the game-winning goal for the United States in extra time.[87] The game was both widely praised and extremely controversial, with The Guardian declaring it "the greatest knockout match in major-tournament football since 1982."[88] American publications dubbed it "one of the best games ever"[89] and "an instant classic."[90] Controversy, meanwhile, related to the performance of referee Christina Pedersen, who made a series of calls in favour of the Americans, most notably what some characterized as a "a peculiarly harsh decision" against Canadian goalkeeper McLeod for holding onto the ball for supposed time wasting, the beginning of a series of events that led to the game being tied again on a US penalty shot.[88]

Sinclair and others on the team, including coach Herdman, harshly criticized Pedersen's officiating after the match was completed, with the captain stating "we feel cheated. It's a shame that in a game as important as that, the ref decided the result before it started."[91] Pedersen claimed that she had overheard Sinclair calling her a "fucking whore" following the game at Old Trafford, which Sinclair denied, stating that she had said "fucking horrible."[92] The latter was referred for a disciplinary hearing after the Games, but Sinclair remained able to play pending said hearing, helping the team to a bronze medal victory over France.[93][80]

With six goals in the tournament, Sinclair was awarded the Golden Boot.[54] In recognition of her achievements at the Games, Sinclair was named Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremonies,[94] and on the day of the ceremonies she was also awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.[95] Further honours came in the following months, including the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canadian athlete of the year, and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award from The Canadian Press as their choice for Canadian female athlete of the year. She was, in both instances, the first soccer player recipient.[96][97] She was also named Athlete of the Year by Sportsnet.[98] The London Olympics significantly raised Sinclair's profile both within Canada and internationally.[80][92][99] The New York Times dubbed her the "face of soccer in Canada".[80]

Sinclair's alleged comments to Pedersen ultimately led to her fined a reported $3,500 for "unsporting behaviour" and suspended from four international games.[100] For her part, she claimed "I don't regret what I said."[101]

Home World Cup and Rio Olympics (2013–2016)

edit

After serving her suspension after the London Olympics, Sinclair returned to the pitch midway through the 2013 Cyprus Women's Cup, scoring the game-winning goal against Finland.[102] She later made her 200th appearance on December 12, 2013, scoring her 147th international goal in a 2–0 win over Scotland at the 2013 Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo.[103]

With the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup to be hosted in Canada, Sinclair's new celebrity put her even more so in the spotlight in the leadup, including being featured on a Canada Post-issued commemorative stamp.[80] In light of the team's last-place finish in 2011 and its subsequent bronze medal at the Olympics, there were expectations on the team to perform on home soil.[104][105] Sinclair scored Canada's only goal of the first group stage match against China, a 1–0 win, during a penalty kick awarded in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.[106] Canada drew its remaining two group stage matches, but finished first in the group and faced Switzerland in the Round of 16. Defeating the Swiss 1–0 in the opening of the knockout stage, Canada advanced to face England.[107] In the quarter-final, Sinclair scored Canada's lone goal in the 42nd minute, with Canada ultimately losing the match 2–1.[108]

Following this underwhelming result at home, Canada focused on qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The team reached the final of the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship, thereby qualifying to the Olympic Games, and losing the championship match to the United States 2–0. Sinclair played through a calf injury during the tournament, and only featured in the final game as a substitute in the second half, but still surpassed American Mia Hamm for second place on the international goal-scoring standings.[109] A month later, Sinclair led Canada to victory at the 2016 edition of the Algarve Cup, the event she had made her senior debut at 16 years earlier. Canada defeated Olympic host nation Brazil in the final.[110]

At the Olympic women's tournament, Canada swept its three group stage games, culminating in a historic win over Germany that broke a 12-game, 22-year losing streak. Sinclair did not see the pitch for the latter game, resting in anticipation of the knockout rounds.[111] Canada defeated France in the quarter-final, but was defeated in a semi-final rematch with Germany by 2–1.[112] Playing in the bronze medal game for the second consecutive Olympics, Sinclair scored the game-winning goal against Brazil.[113]

World Cup disappointment and international goals record (2017–2020)

edit

While discussions about potential successors for Sinclair's role on the national team had been underway since early in the 2010s,[114] by the leadup to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, with Sinclair now age 35 the prospect of her eventual retirement attracted more discussion.[115] However, she was by this point closing in on the international goals record long held by American Abby Wambach. She scored her 181st goal in a pre-tournament friendly against Mexico, putting her only four away from Wambach's 184.[116][117]

At the World Cup, hosted by France, Canada narrowly defeated Cameroon in its opening group stage match, albeit with a performance that was faulted by some commentators for difficulty in creating chances to score by players other than Sinclair.[118] After defeating New Zealand, Canada faced the Netherlands in its final group match. Sinclair scored Canada's lone goal in a 2–1 loss, her tenth goal in five different World Cup editions, equaling the achievement first accomplished by Brazilian Marta seven days earlier.[119] Facing Sweden in the Round of 16, Canada was down 1–0 when they were awarded a penalty after a hand ball by a Swedish defender. While Sinclair commonly took penalties for the team, in this instance she was aware that Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl had saved her penalty attempt at the Algarve Cup the previous March, and opted to have Janine Beckie take it instead.[120] Beckie's attempt was saved by Lindahl, and Canada were ultimately eliminated.[121] Sinclair's decision was the subject of much debate, with some comparing it to the much-criticized decision not to have Wayne Gretzky participate in a game-deciding shootout at the ice hockey tournament at the 1998 Winter Olympics.[120][122] The performance of the national team was widely critiqued in the aftermath of the event, with many commentators faulting the lack of goal-scoring threat from players other than Sinclair.[123][124] The Canadian Press remarked that "the remarkable Sinclair is in the twilight of her career. Some time sooner than later, she will walk away for good. Monday proved how difficult that will be."[125]

Continuing her pursuit of the international goals record through the Qualifying Championship for the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sinclair scored international goals 184 and 185 against St. Kitts and Nevis to tie and then surpass Wambach for first place in international goals by either men or women.[9][126] She avowed that "for me it has nothing to do with the record, it's to have young girls be able to dream of playing professionally or represent their country, win Olympic medals. To inspire young girls to pursue their crazy, wild dreams, it's pretty cool."[127] Canada reached the tournament final, thereby qualifying for the Olympics, and lost 3–0 to the United States in the final.[128]

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shift of the entire global sporting calendar, including the delay of the Olympics by a full year.[129] At the end of 2020, she received her second Bobbie Rosenfeld Award, in recognition of her international goal-scoring record. Globe & Mail editor Phil King opined "when the history of women's sports is written in this country, Christine Sinclair deserves her own chapter."[130] That same month she was honoured at The Best FIFA Football Awards.[15][131] Her 185th international goal was named Canada Soccer's Moment of the Year[132]

Olympic gold (2021)

edit

On July 21, 2021, Sinclair played her 300th match for Canada, in which she scored a goal in a 1–1 draw against hosts Japan in the team's opening match of the Olympic women's tournament in Tokyo.[133] Canada accumulated one win and two tied games during group play, before advancing to face Brazil in the quarter-final. Scoreless during regular play, Canada prevailed in the shootout 4–3, despite Sinclair being denied on the opening attempt.[134] Following this, Sinclair advised coach Bev Priestman that future penalties in the tournament should be taken by midfielder Jessie Fleming.[135]

Canada faced the United States in the semi-final on August 2, a rematch of the 2012 Olympic semi-final. With the game tied 0–0 in the second half, a penalty was drawn by Deanne Rose for Canada, and Sinclair delivered the ball to Fleming, a gesture that was taken to be an on-the-spot decision by many observers at the time.[135][136] As Fleming was considered by many to be the team's best younger player, Sinclair later wrote that "some people interpreted me handing Jessie the ball as a passing of the torch. Sometimes people read too much into things."[135] Fleming scored, with Canada going on to win the game 1–0 and advance to the Olympic final for the first time in the team's history. This was also their first victory over the United States in twenty years.[137] In reference to the London Olympics, Sinclair opined afterward that "it was nice to get a little revenge."[138]

The greatest testament to what she has meant to Canadian soccer may well be the fact that in the biggest victory of her career, she wasn't her team's best player on the night. At age 38, she couldn't be. Keeper Stephanie Labbé took that honour in the end, but Jessie Fleming and Ashley Laurence and Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles and Desiree Scott – who was once one of the kids and is now one of the greybeards – all had more influence on the play.

– Stephen Brunt, Sportsnet[139]

In the final against Sweden on August 6, Sinclair won a penalty, which was once again converted by Fleming to tie the game in the second half of regulation time. Following a 1–1 draw after extra-time, Canada eventually won the match 3–2 on penalty kicks to capture the gold medal in women's soccer for the first time.[140][141] Sinclair was substituted before extra time, her place taken by Jordyn Huitema, and she thus did not feature among the team's participants in the penalty kicks. The Canadian team's victory was widely hailed as the most important moment in its history, and of Canadian soccer in general. Sinclair had not played as large a role on-field as she had for most of her career, with Cathal Kelly of The Globe & Mail describing her as "first in our hearts and fourth or fifth on the depth chart."[142] However, both Kelly and other commentators unanimously attributed the team's success to Sinclair's long career and leadership.[139][143][142]

Having already been honoured at the Best FIFA Football Awards the previous year, at the 2021 edition she received a Special Award for her goal-scoring record, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who had recently set the men's record for the same.[144]

Federation conflicts, sixth World Cup, and retirement (2022–2023)

edit

The Tokyo Olympics marked the beginning of a change in Sinclair's usage; the semi-final against the United States was the final international game in which she played a full 90 minutes.[145] Following the Games, she and a number of other veterans became increasingly vocal about the need to establish a women's domestic professional league in Canada, arguing that it was essential to all the national team to keep pace with rival teams and to create more opportunities for the nation's female players.[146] Sinclair described it as "a disaster to not have a professional league in the country that just won the Olympic Games."[147] In December 2022, she and former teammate Diana Matheson announced plans to launch a league in 2025, with Matheson taking the lead in organizing it. Sinclair faulted the lack of any progress by the Canada Soccer Association in establishing a professional league in the decade since the London Olympics.[148][149]

In addition to issues surrounding the lack of a professional league, Sinclair took the lead in conflicts with the federation over the women's national team's funding and compensation. The team announced that it would not participate in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup in February 2023, but went ahead with the tournament after Canada Soccer threatened legal action against them.[150] With morale low, the team performed poorly and finished last among the four participants.[151] The following month, Sinclair testified before a House of Commons standing committee, denouncing the federation's treatment of the team and saying that she had been personally insulted by former federation president Nick Bontis.[152] Bontis would subsequently issue a public apology.[153]

Sinclair was named to the Canadian squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, her sixth edition of the tournament, and generally presumed to be her last.[154] As the defending Olympic champions, Canada was among the pre-tournament favorites. Canada was drawn into a group that included host nation Australia.[155] Canada opened the tournament with its third World Cup meeting with Nigeria. Sinclair drew a penalty after being fouled in the box, but with Fleming absent due to injury concerns, she herself took it. Her attempt was saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie, and as the match ended in a 0–0 draw, this came to be seen as a pivotal moment in the outcome.[156] In a reverse of the 2019 World Cup penalty attempt by Beckie, commentators debated whether it was a mistake for Sinclair to take the penalty.[157][158] Sinclair did not start against Ireland, the first time in her career she had not been in the starting lineup for Canada at the World Cup, but came off the bench for the second half. She was generally credited for helping Canada come back to win 2–1 after a poor first half.[159] Sinclair started in the final group match against Australia, with Canada only requiring draw to qualify for the knockout stage. However, Sinclair was substituted at half-time as Canada trailed 2–0 and ending up losing 4–0, eliminating them from the tournament. Sinclair was observed gathering blades of grass from the field, acknowledging when asked that this was "probably" her final World Cup appearance.[160] Following the loss, Sinclair renewed her previous public warnings about the need for greater resources for women's soccer in Canada.[161]

Following the disappointment in Australia, coach Priestman made significant alterations to the team's composition in advance of their next fixtures, the two-legged CONCACAF Olympic qualification playoff against Jamaica in September. Sinclair did not play in the first match, and came off the bench to play thirty minutes in the second match at BMO Field. Canada won both matches, securing its fifth consecutive Olympic appearance. Priestman revealed afterward that "Christine told me I want to get this team to the Olympics. … After this window, we'll sit down, we'll reflect."[162]

I can sit here and know that I've literally done everything I can and given all of me to this national team since I was 16 years old. In terms of what I've done and knowing the work I've put into it, I have zero regrets. I know I've done everything I can for as long as I can. And the team's in good hands moving forward.

– Christine Sinclair [163]

On October 20, Sinclair announced that she would retire from international soccer in December 2023.[163] She subsequently revealed that she "was going to walk off and not say a word and just be done" after the Olympic qualifiers, but following the federation scheduling four friendlies in Montreal, Halifax, Victoria and Vancouver, she was persuaded to play in what was widely described as a "farewell tour."[164] Sinclair played in her final international match on December 5, a 1–0 victory in a friendly versus Australia, held at BC Place in Vancouver. In recognition of her achievements, the stadium was renamed "Christine Sinclair Place" for the day.[165] Sinclair started the match, and was involved in Quinn's game-winning goal. She was substituted in favour of Sophie Schmidt, also making her final international appearance, in the 58th minute. The match was attended by 48,112 people, a record audience for a women's friendly in Canada.[166] At the time of her retirement, Sinclair's 331 international caps was the second-most of all time, behind only American Kristine Lilly.[13]

Personal life

edit

Described as a highly private individual, Sinclair is known for largely avoiding discussions of her personal life outside of certain causes.[167][168][169] Since 2017, she has been active in fundraising for research and treatment of multiple sclerosis, which her mother suffered from.[170][169] Her mother's death in February 2022 prompted Sinclair to write Playing the Long Game: A Memoir, her first extensive account of her life and career.[169][171]

Among other honours received in her career, Sinclair was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2013.[172] She received an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University later in the same year.[173] In 2015, Sinclair, along with teammate Kadeisha Buchanan, was featured on a Canadian postage stamp commemorating the 2015 Women's World Cup hosted by Canada.[174] On June 30, 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, the second-highest award a civilian can receive,[175] with investiture of the award on January 24, 2018.[176] Of the honour she said, "I am a very, very proud Canadian, I am proud of where I am from, and to be recognized in this nature is surreal. It's not something you can dream about happening to you. I can dream of winning a World Cup or an Olympic gold medal, and that's my job, but to have your country recognize you – I don't even know what to say."[175]

In June 2021, her home city of Burnaby announced that they would be renaming the Fortius Sport and Health Facilities in her honour, the Facilities becoming the Christine Sinclair Community Centre.[177]

On October 7, 2024, it was announced that Sinclair would join the ownership group for Vancouver Rise FC of the Northern Super League.[178]

Player profile

edit

Style of play

edit

Widely regarded as Canada's greatest soccer player of all time[179] and one of the foremost soccer players in history.[180][181][182] Sinclair is a fast, well-rounded, physically strong, and intelligent forward, known for her ball skills, athleticism, technique, and field vision.[179][8] An accurate finisher and a highly prolific goalscorer,[183] she is a versatile and hard-working player who is capable of playing both as a striker and also as an advanced playmaker in midfield, due to her passing accuracy, ability to read the game, link-up with other midfielders, and creation of chances for teammates.[181][8][184] Sinclair is also capable of scoring from free-kicks and penalties.[179][180] Moreover, she has been labelled as a "big game" player in the media,[185] due to her penchant for scoring goals in important games for her country, as illustrated by her hat-trick against the United States in the semi-finals of the 2012 Olympic Games.[186][187] In addition to her soccer abilities, she has stood out for her leadership and defensive work-rate throughout her career.[181][183][188]

edit

Television and film

edit

Sinclair was the focus of a digital short documentary entitled The Captain in 2012.[189] She was featured in an episode of The Difference Makers with Rick Hansen the same year.[190] In May 2015, she was featured in the TSN documentary, RISE, along with the rest of the Canadian national team.[191][192] She starred in a national television commercial for Coca-Cola during the summer of 2015.[193]

Magazines

edit

Sinclair was featured on the cover of the June 2013 issue of The Walrus.[194] She was featured Sportsnet Magazine in the edition dated June 8, 2015.[18] She was featured on the covers of Ottawa Life Magazine (May/June 2015),[195] FACES Magazine (December 2015),[196] and Canadian Business (August 2016).[197]

Other work

edit

Sinclair was featured on the Canadian version of EA Sports' FIFA 16 (2016) video game. Along with Portland Thorns FC teammates Alex Morgan and Steph Catley, Sinclair was one of the first women to appear on the cover of any EA Sports game.[198] In July 2017, Sinclair partnered with A&W and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on a nationwide awareness campaign for multiple sclerosis.[199][200]

Career statistics

edit

Club

edit
As of match played November 10, 2024[201]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League League cup[a] Playoffs Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
FC Gold Pride 2009 WPS 17 6 — 0 0 — 17 6
2010 23 12 — 1 0 — 24 12
Total 40 18 0 0 1 0 0 0 41 18
Western New York Flash 2011 WPS 15 10 — 1 1 — 16 11
Portland Thorns FC 2013 NWSL 20 8 — 2 1 — 22 9
2014 23 7 — 1 0 — 24 7
2015 9 2 — 0 0 — 9 2
2016 11 6 — 1 1 — 12 7
2017 24 8 — 2 1 — 26 9
2018 24 9 — 2 0 — 26 9
2019 17 9 — 1 0 — 18 9
2020 4 6 6 0 0 0 — 10 6
2021 15 5 3 2 0 0 — 18 7
2022 14 5 5 1 2 0 — 21 6
2023 19 3 2 0 1 0 — 22 3
2024 24 4 3 1 1 0 3 3 31 8
Total 204 72 19 4 13 3 3 3 239 82
Career total 259 100 16 3 15 4 3 3 293 110
  1. ^ NWSL Challenge Cup started in 2020

International

edit
See also: List of international goals scored by Christine Sinclair


Honours

edit

University of Portland Pilots

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

FC Gold Pride

Western New York Flash

Portland Thorns FC

Canada

Individual

Orders

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair appointed to Order of Canada". CBC Sports. June 30, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair appointed to Order of British Columbia". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  3. ^ "Women's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 – List of Players: Canada" (PDF). FIFA. August 5, 2021. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 15, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  4. ^ "Christine Sinclair". Team Canada - Official 2018 Olympic Team Website. September 19, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  5. ^ "Nordic Cup". February 23, 2020. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  6. ^ "Christine Sinclair and Tiffeny Milbrett sign at Vancouver Whitecaps". Soccerway. February 13, 2006. Archived from the original on April 4, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  7. ^ "Whitecaps Foundation". July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c "Christine Sinclair (CAN)". tab: Honours. Canada Soccer. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Christine Sinclair: Canada striker beats all-time record". BBC Sport. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  10. ^ "Sinclair scores, but Canada loses to Dutch at Women's World Cup". Sportsnet. June 20, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g "Christine Sinclair". University of Portland. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  12. ^ "Portland Soccer 2017 History and Records" (PDF). University of Portland. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  13. ^ a b Kourabi, Mariam (December 6, 2023). "Christine Sinclair closes international chapter as Canada's storied pioneer". The Guardian. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  14. ^ Zimonjic, Peter (June 30, 2017). "Prince Charles, Catherine O'Hara, Christine Sinclair among 99 recipients of Order of Canada". CBC News.
  15. ^ a b "Christine Sinclair honoured with special award by FIFA". SportsNet. Associated Press. January 17, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  16. ^ "Christine Sinclair". Team Canada - Official 2018 Olympic Team Website. September 19, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Christine Sinclair at the Canadian Soccer Association
  18. ^ a b c Rutherford, Kristina. "The Evolution of Christine Sinclair". Sportsnet Magazine. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  19. ^ "From strikes to striker". Kingston (Ontario) Whig-Standard. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  20. ^ "Freshman of the Year DiMartino follows in sisters' footsteps". socceramerica.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  21. ^ "Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair on Portland: "I consider it home."". Portland Thorns. February 15, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  22. ^ Christie, James (December 20, 2006). "Top 25 of 2002". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  23. ^ a b c "Christine Sinclair, Jason Garey Win Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2012., Hermann Trophy NewsRelease
  24. ^ a b "Portland's soccer standout Sinclair wins Honda Cup as top female college athlete". USA Today. June 27, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  25. ^ a b "Christine Sinclair". Canadian Olympic Committee. September 18, 2011. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  26. ^ "Soccer". CWSA. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  27. ^ "Christine Sinclair Wins Honda Award". wccsports.com. December 21, 2005. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  28. ^ "Maryland's Garey and Portland's Sinclair Are 2005 Men's and Women's Hermann Trophy Winners". Colorado Rapids. June 27, 2010. Archived from the original on June 7, 2015. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  29. ^ "FC Gold Pride Signs Canada's All-Time Leading Goal Scorer Christine Sinclair". Bay Area Sports Drive. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  30. ^ "2009 FC Gold Pride". Soccer Way. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  31. ^ Purdy, Jacqueline (July 30, 2010). "Behind the scenes with FC Gold Pride". ESPN. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  32. ^ a b c Eskenazi, Joe (November 16, 2010). "F.C. Gold Pride, Women's Soccer Champs, Abruptly Disband". San Francisco Weekly. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  33. ^ Albanese, Giovanni Jr. (April 21, 2010). "Gold Pride win home opener". Tri-City Voice. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  34. ^ "Goal.com WPS Player of the Week: Christine Sinclair, FC Gold Pride". Goal (website). Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  35. ^ "Canadian forward Christine Sinclair of FC Gold Pride named WPS player of week". Guelph Mercury. July 20, 2010.
  36. ^ "FC Gold Pride end regular season with 4–1 win over Philadelphia". Center Line Soccer. September 11, 2010. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  37. ^ Narducci, Marc (September 26, 2010). "Well-traveled Independence have one final test in well-rested FC Gold Pride". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 4, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  38. ^ "Independence defeat Boston to advance to WPS final vs. FC Gold Pride". The Philadelphia Inquirer. September 24, 2010. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  39. ^ "FC Gold Pride wins WPS championship". ESPN. September 26, 2010. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  40. ^ Purdy, Jacqueline (August 27, 2011). "Christine Sinclair Named MVP of the Final". ESPN. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  41. ^ "Christine Sinclair named MVP of the final". ESPNW. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
  42. ^ "Alex Morgan, Christine Sinclair among first seven players added to Portland Thorns FC through allocation process". Portland Timbers. Archived from the original on January 13, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  43. ^ Peterson, Anne M. (March 30, 2023). "Portland Thorns' Christine Sinclair is one of 5 NWSL 'Originals'". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  44. ^ "2014 Portland Thorns FC Media Guide.pdf". nwsl.app.box.com. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  45. ^ "Thorns' Sinclair is league player of the month". KGW. October 29, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  46. ^ Goldberg, Jamie (August 22, 2014). "Portland Thorns at FC Kansas City: NWSL playoff semifinal game preview". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  47. ^ "NWSL Semi-final Recap | Portland Thorns FC 3, FC Kansas City 2 (OT)". Portland Thorns. August 24, 2013. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  48. ^ Hays, Graham (September 8, 2013). "Portland Blazes Trail with NWSL Title". ESPN. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  49. ^ "Christine Sinclair". Portland Timbers. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  50. ^ "NWSL Stats for League Leaders, Players & Teams - Portland Thorns". nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  51. ^ "Canadians Sinclair, Beckie win NWSL Championship as Thorns defeat Current". CBC. October 30, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  52. ^ Alger, Tyson (September 27, 2024). "Portland Thorns and NWSL legend Christine Sinclair announces retirement: 'Thank you will never be enough'". oregonlive.com. OregonLive. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  53. ^ "2000 Canada camp in Vancouver". Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  54. ^ a b c d e f g Johnson, Meaghen (June 3, 2019). "Canadian player profile: Christine Sinclair". TSN.ca. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  55. ^ Jones, Terry (June 27, 2015). "It's just like 2003 for Team Canada at the Women's World Cup". The Toronto Sun. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  56. ^ a b Davidson, Neil (July 17, 2023). "Matheson hopes World Cup will further raise profile of women's game, boost new league". The Lethbridge Herald. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  57. ^ "2003 FIFA Women's World Cup". United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  58. ^ "Canada Crushes Argentina 3–0". Orlando Sentinel. September 25, 2003. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  59. ^ a b "Canada Advances on Its Height Advantage". Los Angeles Times. September 28, 2003. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  60. ^ "2003 FIFA Women's World Cup: China vs Canada". FIFA. October 2, 2003. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  61. ^ "2003 FIFA Women's World Cup: Canada vs Sweden". FIFA. October 5, 2003. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  62. ^ "FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003". Canada Soccer. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  63. ^ "Moment 3: Canada finishes fourth at FIFA Women's World Cup". Canada Soccer Association. May 30, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  64. ^ a b Craig, Lindsey (August 4, 2008). "Christine Sinclair: Ready to strike". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  65. ^ Mallett, Peter (October 21, 2006). "Players call for inquiry into coach". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  66. ^ "Arbitrator rules in Canadian soccer coach's favour". CBC Sports. June 20, 2007. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  67. ^ "2007 FIFA Women's World Cup: Canada vs Norway". FIFA. September 12, 2007. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  68. ^ "Matheson's Team Canada Tops Ghana 4–0 for First 2007 Women's World Cup Win". Princeton University. September 15, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  69. ^ "Late drama sends Matildas through". BBC. September 20, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  70. ^ "Germany set the record straight". FIFA. Archived from the original on November 25, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  71. ^ McGowan, Don (January 7, 2009). "Burnaby's Sinclair is Canada's top female soccer player". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  72. ^ "Sinclair scores 100th goal, breaks record for matches". Canada Soccer Association. February 20, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  73. ^ a b "Sinclair wins Canadian female player of 2010 award". CBC Sports. December 16, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  74. ^ a b O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (January 30, 2020). "4 moments that drove Christine Sinclair's rise to stardom". Canadian Premier League. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  75. ^ "Canada's women's soccer team ends boycott". The National Post. February 25, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  76. ^ Brunt, Stephen (July 22, 2011). "Morace era ends shamefully for Canadian soccer". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  77. ^ "Women's World Cup 2011: Germany thrill home crowd with win over Canada". The Guardian. June 26, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  78. ^ Rutherford, Kristina. "The Evolution of Christine Sinclair". Sportsnet.ca. Rogers Communications. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  79. ^ Molinaro, John F. (June 30, 2011). "Canada eliminated at Women's World Cup". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  80. ^ a b c d e f Longman, Jeré (June 6, 2015). "Face of Soccer in Canada, on Field and on Stamps". The New York Times. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  81. ^ Sandor, Steven (June 5, 2015). "Canadian women looking for World Cup redemption". Sportsnet. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  82. ^ Squizzato, Daniel (November 21, 2022). "How John Herdman defined a decade in Canadian soccer". Canada Soccer Association. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  83. ^ Callaghan, Joe (November 18, 2022). "John Herdman: the mastermind who has led Canada to the men's and women's World Cups". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  84. ^ "Canadian Olympic Committee Taps Christine Sinclair to Lead Canada into Guadalajara 2011". Canadian Olympic Committee. October 4, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  85. ^ "Women's Olympic Tournament London 2012: Canada". FIFA. Archived from the original on August 23, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  86. ^ Wilson, Paul (August 3, 2012). "London 2012: Team GB women crash out of Olympics with defeat by Canada". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  87. ^ Parker, Graham (August 6, 2012). "Olympic women's soccer 2012 – USA 4-3 Canada - as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  88. ^ a b Murray, Scott (August 7, 2012). "The greatest knockout match in major-tournament football since 1982". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  89. ^ Kondzella, Pat (August 7, 2012). "USA vs. Canada Women's Soccer: Epic Battle Was One of the Best Games Ever". The Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  90. ^ Rosenthal, Seth (August 6, 2012). "The U.S. Women's Soccer Team Just Won an Instant Classic Over Canada". New York. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  91. ^ Blair, Jeff (August 6, 2012). "Canada's Olympic soccer squad in shock after heartbreaking semi-final loss to U.S." The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  92. ^ a b Poplak, Richard (June 15, 2013). "The Game Not Played". The Walrus. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  93. ^ Blair, Jeff (August 9, 2012). "Canadian women's soccer team gets Olympic bronze medals". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  94. ^ Mackin, Bob (August 12, 2012). "Christine Sinclair named flag bearer". Canoe. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  95. ^ "Sinclair awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal". Canada Soccer Association. August 15, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  96. ^ "Christine Sinclair wins Lou Marsh Award". CBC Sports. December 10, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  97. ^ "Sinclair wins 2012 Bobbie Rosenfeld Award". Canada Soccer Association. December 27, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  98. ^ Molinaro, John (December 13, 2012). "Sinclair named Sportsnet's Athlete of the Year". Sportsnet. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  99. ^ Langford, Richard (August 6, 2012). "Christine Sinclair Proves She Is World's Top Women's Soccer Talent in Loss". The Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  100. ^ "FIFA suspends Canada's Christine Sinclair 4 games". CBC Sports. October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  101. ^ "Christine Sinclair has no regrets after being suspended for Olympic comments". The National Post. October 15, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  102. ^ "Christine Sinclair marks return from suspension with winning goal against Finland". CTV News. March 8, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  103. ^ "Sinclair leads women's team past Scotland". Toronto: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. December 12, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  104. ^ Murray, Caitlin (June 2, 2015). "Women's World Cup 2015 Group A preview: Canada, China, Holland and New Zealand". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  105. ^ Taylor, Louise (June 17, 2015). "John Herdman tries to condition Canada into accepting women's football". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  106. ^ Davidson, Neil (June 7, 2015). "Canada edges China on late Sinclair penalty in Women's World Cup opener". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  107. ^ "Canada edge past Switzerland into last eight of Women's World Cup". The Guardian. June 22, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  108. ^ "Canada takes knockout blow from England at Womens World Cup". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  109. ^ "USWNT beat Canada to win Olympic qualifying tournament". The Guardian. February 22, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  110. ^ Hossain, Asif (March 9, 2016). "Canada beats Brazil, wins Algarve Cup in Portugal". Canadian Olympic Committee. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  111. ^ "Rio 2016: Canada scores historic soccer win over Germany". Global News. August 9, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  112. ^ Davidson, Neil (August 16, 2016). "Rio 2016: Germany upsets Canada's quest for gold in women's soccer". Global News. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  113. ^ Davidson, Neil (August 20, 2016). "Canada 'privileged' to have Christine Sinclair, soccer official says". The Toronto Star. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  114. ^ Fitz-Gerald, Sean (July 16, 2014). "'A soccer god': Canada's search for the next Christine Sinclair begins at FIFA U-20 women's World Cup". The National Post. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  115. ^ Molinaro, John F. (June 8, 2019). "Talented youngsters offer hope for Canadian team in post-Sinclair era". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  116. ^ Molinaro, John F. (May 18, 2019). "Sinclair one step closer to history as Canada cruises past Mexico". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  117. ^ Van Diest, Derek (June 8, 2019). "Humble superstar Christine Sinclair puts team ahead of individual goals". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  118. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (June 10, 2019). "Kadeisha Buchanan heads Canada to World Cup victory over Cameroon". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  119. ^ "Christine Sinclair scores goal No. 182 vs. Dutch at World Cup". Sportsnet. June 20, 2019.
  120. ^ a b "Canada rues 'Gretzky' moment during World Cup exit". Reuters. June 24, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  121. ^ "Sweden handles Canada, 1-0, will face Germany in World Cup quarterfinal". The Washington Post. June 24, 2019.
  122. ^ Davidson, Neil (June 25, 2019). "Christine Sinclair passed on crucial penalty kick in loss to Sweden and many are wondering why". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  123. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (June 26, 2019). "Women's World Cup 2019 power rankings: USA top, Germany rising". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  124. ^ Reed, Nigel (June 24, 2019). "Canada's women's World Cup exit leaves bitter taste". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  125. ^ The Canadian Press (June 25, 2019). "World Cup exit shows Canada will miss the remarkable Christine Sinclair". The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  126. ^ Hays, Graham (January 29, 2020). "Canada's Christine Sinclair breaks record for most international goals". ESPN. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  127. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (February 7, 2020). "Christine Sinclair, the canny hunter, scores her way into history books". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  128. ^ "Megan Rapinoe on target as USA beat Canada in Concacaf final". The Guardian. February 10, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  129. ^ Dichter, Myles (April 17, 2020). "With extra year, Christine Sinclair aiming to change colour of Canada's Olympic medals". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  130. ^ Davidson, Neil (December 28, 2020). "Christine Sinclair nets 2nd Bobbie Rosenfeld Award with record-breaking year". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  131. ^ "Sinclair honoured at The Best Awards" (Press release). FIFA. December 18, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  132. ^ "Christine Sinclair's milestone 185th goal named Canada Soccer's Moment of the Year". CBC Sports. December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  133. ^ "Match Details, Japan vs Canada, Jul 21, 2021". FIFA. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  134. ^ Murray, Nick (July 30, 2021). "Dramatic penalty kicks send Canada's women's soccer team to Olympic semifinals". CBC Sports. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  135. ^ a b c Sinclair, Christine; Brunt, Stephen (December 10, 2022). "'Let Jessie have it.' How Christine Sinclair's penalty kick plan helped Canada conquer U.S. at Tokyo Olympics". The Welland Tribune. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  136. ^ Kryk, John (August 4, 2021). "If it comes up, Christine Sinclair should take penalty kick at gold-medal game". The National Post. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  137. ^ Heroux, Devin (August 2, 2021). "Canada shocks U.S. in semis, will play for Olympic gold in women's soccer". CBC Sports. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  138. ^ Kelly, Cathal (August 2, 2021). "Canada women's soccer team exacts Tokyo Olympic revenge against the United States after being robbed at London 2012". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  139. ^ a b Brunt, Stephen (August 6, 2021). "How the greatness of Christine Sinclair made Olympic gold possible". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  140. ^ Heroux, Devin (August 6, 2021). "Canadian women's soccer team delivers thrilling Olympic gold-medal victory over Sweden". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  141. ^ "Canada claims gold in Olympic women's soccer after defeating Sweden in final". Sportsnet. August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  142. ^ a b Kelly, Cathal (August 6, 2021). "20 years of Christine Sinclair made Tokyo Olympic women's soccer gold possible". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  143. ^ Squizzato, Daniel (August 6, 2021). "Golden generation lifts iconic Sinclair to the Olympic pinnacle". Canadian Olympic Committee. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  144. ^ "Alexia Putellas and Robert Lewandowski crowned The Best". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. January 17, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  145. ^ Gangué-Ruzic, Alexandre (June 12, 2023). "Despite changing role, Christine Sinclair remains key to CanWNT". OneSoccer. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  146. ^ Bennett, Donnovan; Bond, Meredith (March 8, 2023). "Sinclair believes contribution to growth in women's soccer will be what she's most proud of". Toronto CityNews. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  147. ^ Larsen, Karin (December 6, 2022). "New Canadian pro women's soccer league to fill missing link in player development". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  148. ^ Dichter, Myles (December 5, 2022). "Christine Sinclair, Diana Matheson reveal pro Canadian women's soccer league set for kickoff in 2025". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  149. ^ "Sinclair on new Canadian women's pro soccer league: 'That's all we've ever wanted'". Sportsnet. December 5, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  150. ^ Davidson, Neil (February 14, 2023). "Canada women's soccer team 'deflated' as labour dispute overshadows key tournament". Global News. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  151. ^ "Canadian women cap disappointing SheBelieves Cup with error-riddled loss to Japan". CBC Sports. February 22, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  152. ^ "Captain Christine Sinclair slams Canada Soccer at parliamentary hearing". Sportsnet. March 9, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  153. ^ Brady, Rachel (March 30, 2023). "Former Canada Soccer head quickly apologizes to star Christine Sinclair". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  154. ^ Spiker, Brianne (July 13, 2023). "Sinclair seeking World Cup title to cap illustrious career". TSN. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  155. ^ Molinaro, John F. (July 13, 2023). "FIFA Women's World Cup Group B Preview: Is sixth time a charm for Canada's Sinclair?". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  156. ^ Davidson, Neil (July 21, 2023). "Sinclair misses penalty kick as Canada ties Nigeria in Women's World Cup opener". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  157. ^ Callaghan, Joe (July 21, 2023). "World Cup match breakdown: Christine Sinclair's sixth sense is off in Canada's disappointing draw with Nigeria". The Toronto Star. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  158. ^ Kelly, Cathal (July 21, 2023). "Canada should have won its World Cup opener, but several mortal mistakes undid the team". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  159. ^ Molinaro, John F. (July 26, 2023). "Canada's Women's World Cup comeback cued by veteran subs, starting with Sinclair". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  160. ^ "Sinclair: 'Probably not going to play in another' World Cup". TSN. July 31, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  161. ^ Davidson, Neil (July 31, 2023). "Canada captain Christine Sinclair sounds warning in wake of early World Cup exit". CTV News. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  162. ^ Molinaro, John F. (September 27, 2023). "Maturing Canadians will get chance to defend Olympic title". Sportsnet. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  163. ^ a b Davidson, Neil (October 20, 2023). "Canadian soccer great Christine Sinclair announces retirement from international play". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  164. ^ Davidson, Neil (October 26, 2023). "Christine Sinclair sees farewell tour with Canada as 'great opportunity' to thank fans". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  165. ^ "BC Place to rename as 'Christine Sinclair Place' for soccer legend's final international match for Canada". BC Place. November 27, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  166. ^ Jones, Chris (December 6, 2023). "Christine Sinclair's Canadian career is over, but her impact will be felt for generations". CBC Sports. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  167. ^ Rutherford, Kristina. "The Evolution of Christine Sinclair". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  168. ^ Yang, Steph (October 26, 2022). "Portland Thorns' Christine Sinclair issues manifesto for Canadian women's soccer in new book". The Athletic. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  169. ^ a b c Gavin, Mike (June 21, 2023). "Soccer star Christine Sinclair opens up about mother's multiple sclerosis". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  170. ^ Davidson, Neil (June 12, 2017). "Soccer star Christine Sinclair embarks on personal mission to help fight MS". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  171. ^ Jacob, Vivek (November 4, 2022). "From 'obnoxious' U.S. team to life-changing coaches, Canadian soccer icon Sinclair opens up in memoir". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  172. ^ Lee, Adrian (September 21, 2013). "Terry Fox, Christine Sinclair inducted to Canada's Walk of Fame". CTV News. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  173. ^ Stewart, Monte (October 11, 2013). "Christine Sinclair gets honorary degree from Simon Fraser University". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  174. ^ Goldberg, Jamie (May 5, 2015). "Christine Sinclair to appear on stamp commemorating Canada hosting FIFA Women's World Cup". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  175. ^ a b "Burnaby soccer star Christine Sinclair appointed to Order of Canada". The Vancouver Sun. June 30, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  176. ^ "Christine Sinclair invested as an Officer in the Order of Canada". Sportsnet.ca. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  177. ^ "Burnaby's new community centre renamed after soccer great Christine Sinclair". Burnaby Now. June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  178. ^ Pathak, Manasi. "Christine Sinclair Will Join Ownership Group Of Vancouver Rise FC". Forbes. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  179. ^ a b c Stephen Brunt (June 26, 2011). "Christine Sinclair and Canada take their soccer lumps". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  180. ^ a b Gianluca Nesci (June 6, 2015). "Sinclair's last-minute penalty rescues Canada in World Cup opener". The Score. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  181. ^ a b c Andrew Bucholtz (May 7, 2014). "Canada's Christine Sinclair is the world's best female player, according to U.S. rival Hope Solo". Yahoo. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  182. ^ Stephen Brunt (June 17, 2011). "Soccer superstar Christine Sinclair exudes confidence". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  183. ^ a b "Star bio: Canada's Christine Sinclair". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. June 15, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  184. ^ "Hope Solo: Christine Sinclair is world's best player". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. May 6, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  185. ^ "Sinclair wins Lou Marsh". olympic.ca. December 10, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  186. ^ "Canadian player profile: Christine Sinclair". TSN. June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  187. ^ Sandra Prusina (August 1, 2016). "2012 Olympics: Looking back at Canada's medal run". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  188. ^ "Women's World Cup: Christine Sinclair's speech inspired Canada". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. June 3, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  189. ^ "Christine Sinclair gives her everything in new documentary". Canadian Olympic Committee. Archived from the original on February 13, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  190. ^ "Christine Sinclair". Candela Collective, Inc. December 17, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  191. ^ Doyle, John (May 25, 2015). "TSN doc Rise an intimate look at Canada's World Cup women". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  192. ^ "RISE Trailer". TSN. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  193. ^ "Check it out: Coke gets in the game". strategy. May 5, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  194. ^ "June 2013". The Walrus. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  195. ^ "May / June 2015". Ottawa Life. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  196. ^ "Christine Sinclair". FACES Magazine. December 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  197. ^ "Christine Sinclair on how to motivate a team under pressure". Canadian Business. August 2016. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  198. ^ Neil Davidson (July 20, 2015). "Christine Sinclair on cover of 'FIFA 16' video game in Canada". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  199. ^ "Soccer star Christine Sinclair embarks on personal mission to help fight MS". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  200. ^ "Soccer Star Christine Sinclair sets her sights on Beating MS through supporting A&W's Burgers to Beat MS". newswire.ca. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  201. ^ "C. Sinclair". Soccerway. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  202. ^ Azzi, Alex (October 30, 2022). "Portland Thorns win 2022 NWSL Championship, MVP Smith scores game winner". On Her Turf. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  203. ^ "Profile - Christine Sinclair". Canada Soccer. January 28, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  204. ^ "FIFA Awards – Women Player of the Year - Top 12". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  205. ^ "Sinclair: This is once-in-a-lifetime recognition". FIFA. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  206. ^ Davidson, Neil (January 17, 2022). "FIFA recognizes Canada captain Christine Sinclair for record goal-scoring | CBC Sports". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  207. ^ "IFFHS Woman Team - CONCACAF - of the Decade 2011-2020". IFFHS. January 29, 2021.
  208. ^ "USA won the gold at 2002 U19 Women's World Cup, but Canada won the event". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  209. ^ "USA won the gold at 2002 U19 Women's World Cup, but Canada won the event". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  210. ^ Purdy, Jacqueline (August 27, 2011). "Christine Sinclair Named MVP of the Final". ESPN. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  211. ^ "Christine Sinclair wins Lou Marsh Award". CBC Sports. December 10, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  212. ^ "Christine Sinclair wins Rosenfeld award as Canada's top female athlete". CBC Sports. December 27, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  213. ^ The Canadian Press (December 17, 2019). "Christine Sinclair honoured as Canadian soccer player of the decade". Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  214. ^ "Christine Sinclair honoured with 14th Canadian Player of the Year award". CanadaSoccer.com. Canadian Soccer Association. December 11, 2018. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  215. ^ "Winners - MAC Hermann Trophy". Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  216. ^ Best, Katelyn (October 17, 2018). "Thorns announce 2018 club awards". SBNation/Stumptown Footy. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  217. ^ "Christine Sinclair invested as an Officer in the Order of Canada". Sportsnet.ca. January 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  218. ^ "Sinclair awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | Canada Soccer". www.canadasoccer.com. Retrieved October 23, 2021.

Further reading

edit
  • Donaldson, Chelsea (2014), Christine Sinclair, Capstone Canada, ISBN 1-4914-1978-4
  • Fan Hong, J. A. Mangan (2004), Soccer, Women, Sexual Liberation: Kicking Off a New Era, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 0-7146-8408-2
  • Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0-8032-4036-8
  • Kassouf, Jeff (2011), Girls Play to Win Soccer, Norwood House Press, ISBN 1-59953-464-9
  • Mooney, Maggie (2010), Canada's Top 100: The Greatest Athletes of All Time, Greystone Books, ISBN 1-55365-557-5
  • Stevens, Dakota (2011), A Look at the Women's Professional Soccer Including the Soccer Associations, Teams, Players, Awards, and More, BiblioBazaar, ISBN 1-241-04746-4
  • Stewart, Barbara (2012), Women's Soccer: The Passionate Game, D&M Publishers Incorporated, ISBN 1-926812-60-3
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Christine Sinclair.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christine_Sinclair&oldid=1262801104"