Christine Sinclair
World's all-time leading international goal scorer, men's or women's.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Christine Margaret Sinclair (born June 12, 1983) is a Canadian former professional soccer player. She is the world's all-time leader for international goals scored by men or women, with 190 goals, and is one of the most-capped international soccer players with 331 appearances. An Olympic gold medallist, two-time Olympic bronze medallist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award, Sinclair is regarded as one of the most accomplished players in the sport's history.
- born
- June 12, 1983, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- field
- Professional soccer player
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- World all-time leader in international goals (190); 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year; Olympic gold (2020) and bronze (2012, 2016) medallist
Lore & Background
Sinclair began playing soccer at age four for an under-7 team. Her father Bill and uncles Brian and Bruce Gant were all Canadian amateur soccer champions; Brian and Bruce also played professionally. She also played basketball and baseball as a youth, and at age 11 was selected to British Columbia's under-14 girls all-star soccer team. She attended Burnaby South Secondary School and made her senior national team debut at age 16 at the 2000 Algarve Cup, scoring three goals.
At the University of Portland, Sinclair won the national collegiate Division I championship twice (2002, 2005). She set an all-time Division I goal-scoring record with 39 goals in her senior year and finished her collegiate career with 110 goals and 32 assists in 94 games. She was awarded the Hermann Trophy in back-to-back years and won the Honda-Broderick Cup as the college woman athlete of the year.
At the club level, Sinclair won championships with three professional teams: the 2010 WPS Championship with FC Gold Pride, the 2011 WPS Championship with Western New York Flash, and the 2013, 2017, and 2022 NWSL Championships with Portland Thorns FC. She was shortlisted for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year seven times and was referred to by Megan Rapinoe as the best player to never win the award.
Reader's Guide
Christine Sinclair's significance lies in her unprecedented goal-scoring record and longevity at the highest levels of international soccer. With 190 international goals, she holds the world record for both men and women, and her 331 appearances place her among the most-capped players ever. She participated in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic football tournaments, captaining Canada to bronze in 2012 and 2016 and gold in 2020. She is one of only four players—alongside Marta, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi—to score at five World Cup editions. Her legacy includes being the first soccer player to receive the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's athlete of the year (2012) and being inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame (2013). She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 and received the Best FIFA Special Award in 2022. In 2025, she was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, the first individual to have the five-year waiting period waived. Her consistent excellence over two decades has set a benchmark for future generations.
Did You Know?
- Sinclair scored 190 international goals, the most by any player—male or female—in history.
- She is one of four players to score at five World Cup editions, alongside Marta, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
- Sinclair won the Lou Marsh Trophy in 2012 as Canada's athlete of the year, the first soccer player to receive that honour.
- She was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025, with the five-year waiting period waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Christine Sinclair?
Christine Sinclair is a Canadian former professional soccer player born on June 12, 1983, in Burnaby, British Columbia. She is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in the sport's history, having dominated the international scene for nearly two decades.
What is Christine Sinclair's most famous record?
She holds the world all-time record for international goals scored by either men or women, with 190 career international goals. She also ranks among the most-capped players in soccer history with 331 appearances for Canada.
What Olympic medals has Christine Sinclair won?
Sinclair captured Olympic gold at the 2020 Games and earned bronze medals at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She is also a CONCACAF champion, adding continental success to her Olympic résumé.
How many times did Christine Sinclair win Canada Soccer Player of the Year?
She claimed the Canada Soccer Player of the Year honor an unprecedented 14 times, a streak of domestic recognition that underscores her sustained dominance in Canadian soccer over many seasons.
Why is Christine Sinclair considered so important to soccer?
Her combination of record-breaking goal totals, Olympic medal success, and longevity at the highest level set a benchmark for both Canadian and global soccer. She is frequently cited as the most decorated international player in the sport's history, regardless of gender.
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