All good things must come to an end. For 37 years, soccer has been Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair’s lifelong passion and driving force. Now, after a remarkable 25-year professional career – winning national titles and awards, breaking records, and going down as the leading goal scorer in international soccer history – Sinclair has made her mark on the soccer world. Even though the legend is stepping off of the field, Sinclair’s dedication to the game is far from over.
Athletic Success
After announcing her retirement earlier this fall, the soccer community – especially Soccer City, USA – is already mourning the loss of the legend. Originally from Canada, Sinclair arrived in the U.S. in 2001 to play soccer for the University of Portland. There, she won two national championships, racked 110 goals in 95 games, and won the MAC Herman trophy in back-to-back years. At “The Bluff,” she played alongside Megan Rapinoe – winning the 2005 NCAA National Championship together.
Sinclair started her club career in the Women's Professional Soccer league (WPS), playing for FC Gold Pride and Western NY Flash. The WPS folded in 2013, and the NWSL was formed as its successor. Upon its founding, Sinclair told the league that she would only play in Portland. For 12 seasons, Sinclair has given everything to Rose City – winning three NWSL Championships and one Challenge Cup. She finishes her career as one of three players to play all 12 seasons with the same club. She is also the second oldest player to appear in a match. In Portland, Sinclair has played alongside Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn and many others.
“As I hang up my playing boots, I vow to channel it in a new way – to continue growing the game I love, while inspiring the next generation.”
A Lasting Legacy
Sinclair’s teammates and coaches have endless praise for her. “Sincy is just Sincy…She’s just the greatest, and I love playing with her,” Morgan Weaver commented after their game against the Orlando Pride. Head Coach Rob Gale also emphasized Sinclair’s legendary status. “She’s the hardest working in training…You’ve got one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time,” he said. In tribute to Rose City and Sinclair’s deep bond with Portland, Gale added, “She deserves all the roses… you can’t say enough good things about her.”
Inspiring the Future
In an Instagram post announcing her retirement, Sinclair wrote that “I still have the same passion as that young 4 year old growing up in Burnaby, but as I hang up my playing boots, I vow to channel it in a new way – to continue growing the game I love, while inspiring the next generation.” Sinclair is already working to pave the way for the next generation, joining the movement to bring professional women's soccer to Canada. Just days ago, she was named the co-owner of Northern Super League’s Vancouver Rise. Sinclair recognizes the recent surge of support for an interest in women’s sports, emphasizing that “the time is now for women’s sports.”
As Sinclair steps off the field, her impact on the game continues beyond her record-breaking career. Her journey is a testament to the growth and power of women in sports, both on and off the field. With her continued dedication, Sinclair is ready to shape a new era, inspiring and empowering the next generation to carry the game forward. The time for women’s soccer has arrived, and Sinclair will be right there to lead its growth.
