Christine Sinclair
Forward · Portland Thorns · Canada
About Christine Sinclair
The greatest scorer in the history of international football with 190 goals, Christine Sinclair led Canada from a also-ran to Olympic gold — a player of extraordinary consistency, leadership, and quiet greatness across a 23-year international career.
Christine Sinclair's story
British Columbia Born
Christine Margaret Sinclair was born on 12 June 1983 in Burnaby, British Columbia, into a football family. Her uncle Bob Lenarduzzi played for Canada at the 1986 men's World Cup. She played at the University of Portland, winning the Hermann Trophy twice, before establishing herself as Canada's greatest footballer.
The Record Scorer
Sinclair passed Abby Wambach's record of 184 international goals in January 2020, becoming the all-time top scorer in international football history — surpassing all players, male or female. She eventually retired with 190 goals in 329 appearances. Her consistency across more than two decades is almost incomprehensible.
Olympic Gold
Sinclair led Canada to Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games — the crowning achievement of a career that had seen multiple near-misses. She had won bronze in 2012 and 2016, and silver twice at the Pan American Games. The gold in Tokyo, won on penalties against Sweden, completed a remarkable personal journey. She was flag bearer for Canada at the closing ceremony.
Portland Icon & Retirement
Sinclair spent her entire NWSL career with Portland Thorns, becoming the club's greatest ever player and a beloved figure in the Pacific Northwest. She retired in December 2023 after 23 years representing Canada. She married goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe in 2022 — two of the most decorated athletes in Canadian history.
Did you know?
- Sinclair's 190 international goals is the highest by any footballer — male or female — in the history of the sport, surpassing Abby Wambach's record in January 2020.
- She scored three goals in Canada's 2012 Olympic semi-final against the USA — arguably the greatest individual performance in Olympic football history — but Canada still lost 4-3 after extra time.
- Sinclair married Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe in 2022; the couple are considered two of the most decorated athletes in Canadian sports history and both have gold medals from the Tokyo Olympics.
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