Christine Sinclair, the world's top international goal scorer, has concluded her illustrious 23-year career with the Canadian national team. Sinclair, who scored a remarkable 190 goals in her national team career, surpassing Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, played her final match in a friendly against Australia. The match took place in Vancouver, with a record-breaking crowd of 48,112 fans in attendance, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women's soccer.
Sinclair made 331 appearances for Canada, a record second only to retired U.S. star Kristine Lilly. Her career has not only showcased the progress women's soccer has made but also highlighted the challenges it still faces. Sinclair's impact on the field has been profound, with her contributions leading Canada to win bronze and gold medals at the Olympics.
Beyond her on-field achievements, Sinclair has been a driving force for the growth of the game and has created opportunities for future generations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked Sinclair for her impact on the game, and her legacy as a legend of Canadian women's soccer and a pioneer of the sport is secure.
Sinclair plans to play one more season for her club team, the Portland Thorns, before fully retiring. After retiring, she plans to continue fighting for equality and hopes to coach in the future. Additionally, Sinclair plans to use her platform to launch a foundation and a new professional women's soccer league in Canada, further contributing to the development of the sport.
The match also marked the retirement of Sinclair's teammate Sophie Schmidt, serving as preparation for the upcoming Olympics. After the game, Sinclair quietly left with her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy that will echo throughout the stadium bearing her name.