Portland Thorns captain and Canada national team star Christine Sinclair announced her retirement on Friday, stating that the 2024 NWSL season will be her last as a professional player.
Starting her career in Canada in 1999, this season marks her 25th as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old, who retired from international play as the world’s all-time leading scorer in December 2023, will leave the game as one of the most decorated players in history for both club and country.
In her social media announcement, Sinclair expressed her gratitude for Portland, saying, “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 was a Thorn from the start
Sinclair, a two-time NCAA champion with the University of Portland, joined the Thorns in the NWSL’s 2013 inaugural season, leading the club to the league title that year. The 11-season captain helped Portland pick up two more championships in 2017 and 2022, in addition to the 2016 and 2021 NWSL Shield.
Her 64 regular-season goals are the most in Thorns history and third all-time in the NWSL. Across all NWSL competitions, Sinclair has tallied 79 goals, and is one of just two players to have scored in every type of league competition.
Portland will honor their longtime star with a ceremony on November 1st, immediately following the team’s final regular-season match. Currently in seventh-place above the NWSL playoff line, a Thorns postseason berth would extend Sinclair’s pro career.
Sinclair’s unmatched international career
When Sinclair stepped off Team Canada’s pitch for the final time on December 5th, she did so as international soccer’s all-time leading scorer. To date, no current player — man or woman — is within 50 goals of her record 190.
Called up for the first time at 16 years old, Sinclair’s 23-year Team Canada career included six World Cups and four Olympic Games, where she earned gold in 2021 after winning bronze in both 2012 and 2016. Her 331 international appearances is second only to USWNT legend Kristine Lilly.
A game-changer off the pitch and on
Off the pitch, Sinclair has worked to improve the game in Canada, using her voice to fight for equal treatment and pay for the women’s team. That work is far from complete, and Sinclair alluded to her ongoing efforts in her Friday announcement.
“I still have the same passion as that young 4-year-old growing up in Burnaby, BC, 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,” she wrote.
Before her final international game in 2023, Sinclair told reporters that she still plans to “definitely be involved” in soccer. Sinclair has previously mentioned the possibility of coaching or working with the Northern Super League, Canada’s new top-flight women’s league set to begin play in 2025.
