Who expected a forward from Burnaby, British Columbia to finish within the top 25 in FIFA Women’s Player of the Year voting an astonishing eight times? Who expected her to sit second all-time in international goals scored with 170? Add a Lou Marsh Award in 2012, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal the same year, Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and an induction to the Order of Canada and you get the incredible – and improbable – career of one Christine Sinclair, the greatest soccer player in the history of this nation.
An athletically and intellectually gifted player, Sinclair has excelled in the women’s game. She possesses both speed and strength, but she can also read the game very well, truly giving her the ability to dominate a match. Sinclair may be blessed with an incredible set of offensive skills but she never shirks from her defensive duties, harassing opponents in midfield. Though the woman affectionately known as “Sincy” is incredibly dangerous from open play, she is also a threat from set-piece situations. This collection of skills are what make Sinclair one of the most dominant and respected players in the women’s game.
Despite being admired for her play by many, it is her incredible leadership ability that sets her apart from other star strikers. Lauded by teammates and coaches alike, Sinclair is described as being humble despite her superstar status within the women’s game. Her greatest fan may very well be former women’s national team head coach – and current men’s head coach – John Herdman, who greatly admires Sinclair’s dedication to her country and her ability to inspire her teammates. Sinclair is a justified captain, exemplified by her ability to lead on and off of the pitch.
With a collection of accolades that would make all but a select group of footballers insane with jealousy, you might expect the 13-time Canadian Women’s Player of the Year to call it quits at the age of 34. After all, she is Sinclair — what else is there left for her to accomplish? Plenty, if you were to ask her. With Abby Wambach’s 184 international goals record within reach, there is no chance that the Canadian captain will stop now. She stills dreams of winning a World Cup, an Olympic Gold, and of helping Canada reach number one in the FIFA World Rankings. With her historic career, you would be crazy to doubt her.
