Christine Sinclair, the world’s top international goalscorer, has announced her retirement from professional soccer. This news, shared on Friday, marks the end of an illustrious career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Sinclair will complete the current season with the Portland Thorns, the team she helped establish in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The club is set to pay tribute to her remarkable contributions ahead of their final regular season home game on November 1.
At 41, Sinclair brings a wealth of experience as she steps away from the game, having retired from the Canadian national team last year. She concluded her international career as the leading goalscorer in history, with an impressive tally of 190 goals, surpassing both male and female players.
Remarkably, Sinclair is one of only three active NWSL players who have remained with the same team since the league’s inception in 2013, a testament to her loyalty and dedication.
She played a pivotal role in leading the Thorns to their first NWSL championship and added further titles in 2017 and 2022. Sinclair scored the franchise’s first-ever goal during a match against FC Kansas City on April 13, 2013, a moment cherished by fans.
Over her 11 seasons with the Thorns, she netted a record 64 goals, placing her third on the all-time league scoring list, a remarkable achievement that underscores her skill and consistency.
On the international stage, Sinclair’s accolades include a gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics, alongside bronze medals from the 2012 and 2016 Games, highlighting her contributions to Canadian soccer.
She stands out as one of only five players to compete in six Women’s World Cups and is among three players who have scored in five of those tournaments. However, the elusive World Cup trophy remained just out of reach during her storied career.
