WHAT HAPPENED?
Canadian women's national legend and Portland Thorns striker Christine Sinclair said Friday that this will be her final season in the NWSL. Sinclair announced her retirement on Instagram.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sinclair is a Portland women's soccer legend. She spent her college career playing for the University of Portland and then stayed in Oregon for the next 12 seasons playing for NWSL club, Thorns FC.
Portland is Sinclair's home, however Canada is also home for her. Sinclair has been a key member of the Canadian women's national team and is the leading goalscorer for the team with 190 goals to her name. She also leads the team with assists (54) and appearances (331).
Her 190 goals is the most international goals, man or woman, in international soccer.
Sinclair helped Canada become CONCACAF champions in 2010, earned back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics in 2012 and 2016, plus a gold medal in 2021. Sinclair is 14-time Canada Player of the Year.
With the Thorns, Sinclair has won three NWSL Championships, plus two NWSL Shields. She's been the team captain since that inaugural season in 2013.
WHAT SINCLAIR SAID?
"As I finish out this last ride, I want to say what a privilege it has been to represent this unique, beautiful, and passionate city that I will always call home," Sinclair wrote on Instagram.
WHAT CANADA SOCCER SAID
“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," the team said in a statement. "Thank you for the unforgettable moments, for lifting Canadian soccer to new heights, and for your unwavering commitment to the game.”
