Canada Soccer Statement on the Retirement of Christine Sinclair from Club Competition

Today marks the end of an era, as Christine Sinclair—a true Canadian icon, Olympic champion, and world record holder for international goals—has announced her retirement from professional soccer with the Portland Thorns. Christine has not only been a remarkable player but a trailblazer who has inspired generations of Canadians with her unparalleled talent, leadership, and dedication to the beautiful game. ​ 

An Officer in the Order of Canada, Christine captained four Canada Soccer Teams of Distinction: the 2010 Concacaf champions, the back-to-back Olympic Bronze Medalists (2012, 2016), and the Olympic Gold Medalists in 2021. A 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year, she has been awarded The Best FIFA Special Award and the Canada Soccer President’s Award. She led Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2003 FIFA World Cup, won 10 Concacaf medals, and earned two Pan American Games medals. 

At the professional level, she has won eight titles with Portland Thorns FC, including the NWSL Championship in 2013, 2017, and 2022. She also claimed back-to-back WPS titles with FC Gold Pride (2010) and Western New York Flash (2011), the USL W-League with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and two NCAA Championships with the University of Portland. As a teenager, she won the Metro League and BC Cup with Vancouver UBC Alumni. 

“Christine, your achievements both on and off the field have set a new standard in Canadian sport. You’ve paved the way for future generations, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the future of soccer in Canada and around the world. Thank you for the unforgettable moments, for lifting Canadian soccer to new heights, and for your unwavering commitment to the game.” ​
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​- Peter Augruso, President // ​​​​​Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary

Canada Soccer wishes Christine all the best as she begins this next chapter. ​
​Congratulations on an incredible career!