Christine Sinclair

Early life

Christine Margaret Sinclair was born on June 12, 1983, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. From a young age, Sinclair showed a keen interest in soccer, influenced by her family’s sports background. Her uncle, Bruce Sinclair, played professionally with the Portland Timbers in the North American Soccer League.

In her youth, Sinclair was not only a soccer enthusiast but also participated in basketball and baseball. During her time in a boys’ baseball league in Burnaby, she excelled as a second baseman, earning a spot on the under-11 all-star team. Her admiration for Roberto Alomar, a Hall of Famer and second baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, inspired her to choose number 12 as her jersey number.

Sinclair’s soccer talents were recognized early when, at just 11 years old, she was picked for British Columbia’s under-14 girls all-star soccer team. Her leadership at the Burnaby Girls Soccer Club was instrumental in securing six league championships, five provincial titles, and two national top-five finishes. At Burnaby South Secondary School, she continued to demonstrate her soccer prowess, guiding the team to three league championships.

At 15, Sinclair’s passion for soccer led her to attend the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup games in Portland, Oregon, further fueling her aspiration in the sport. Her journey into international soccer began with Canada’s under-18 national team, culminating in her senior debut at just 16 during the 2000 Algarve Cup, where she made a remarkable entry by scoring three goals.

Career

Christine Sinclair’s soccer career took a significant leap when she joined the University of Portland in Oregon. There, she played for the Portland Pilots from 2001 to 2005. Her college career was stellar, marked by numerous awards and recognitions. Sinclair’s talent caught the eye of national team scouts, and she soon became a key player for the Canadian national team.

In her second season with the Portland Pilots in 2002, Christine Sinclair topped Division I by scoring 26 goals. Her exceptional performance was highlighted in the national championship match against Santa Clara, where she netted two goals, including a decisive golden goal that clinched the national title for the Pilots. Her outstanding season garnered her three National Player of the Year awards, and she was also a strong contender for the prestigious Hermann Trophy. Recognized as the West Coast Conference Player of the Year and securing All-American honors for the second year in a row, Sinclair’s achievements extended beyond the collegiate level. Her contributions to both Canadian national teams and American college soccer led to her being recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of the top 25 most influential figures in Canadian sports that year.

Sinclair’s professional career has been equally impressive. She has played for various clubs in different leagues, including FC Gold Pride, Western New York Flash, and Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her leadership and scoring ability have made her a pivotal player at every level.

Internationally, Sinclair has represented Canada in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. Her leadership as captain and her scoring prowess have been instrumental in Canada’s successes on the global stage, including winning bronze medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

On July 21, 2021, Sinclair marked her 300th appearance for the Canadian team by scoring a goal in a 1-1 tie against Japan. This game was part of the inaugural match of the Olympic women’s tournament held in Tokyo. In the group stage, Canada secured a victory and two draws, which led them to the quarterfinals against Brazil. The match ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Canada triumphed 4-3.

Sinclair is celebrated as the best soccer player in Canadian history and ranks among the elite in the global arena. Her playing style as a forward is characterized by speed, physical strength, and a keen soccer intellect. Renowned for her exceptional ball handling, athletic prowess, technical skill, and strategic awareness on the field, Sinclair stands out in her role. She is not only a precise finisher but also an incredibly effective goal-scorer.

Her versatility on the field is notable; Sinclair excels both as a striker and as an advanced playmaker in midfield. This adaptability is a testament to her accurate passing, game-reading ability, seamless integration with midfielders, and knack for creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Furthermore, she is skilled in scoring from free-kicks and penalties.

Media often refer to Sinclair as a “big game” player, a reputation cemented by her tendency to score crucial goals in significant matches. A prime example of this was her hat-trick against the United States during the semi-finals of the 2012 Olympic Games. Beyond her technical skills, Sinclair is also recognized for her leadership qualities and defensive contributions throughout her illustrious career.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Christine Sinclair’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. Her income comes from her professional soccer career, endorsements, and appearances. Sinclair’s success on the field has translated into lucrative sponsorships and partnerships with various brands, contributing to her financial stability and net worth.

Achievement

Christine Sinclair’s list of achievements is extensive. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time. Some of her notable achievements include:

Holding the record for the most international goals scored by a female or male soccer player.

Winning two Olympic bronze medals with the Canadian national team.

Being named the Canadian Soccer Player of the Year numerous times.

Leading Portland Thorns FC to multiple NWSL Championships.

Sinclair’s impact on soccer extends beyond her on-field accomplishments. She has been a role model and an advocate for women’s sports, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.