Sinclair wins special FIFA award
Honoured for her record scoring, Canadian has no plans to retire yet
Honoured by FIFA for her goalscoring exploits Monday, Canada captain Christine Sinclair confirmed she has more to do on and off the soccer pitch.
The 38-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., the world’s all-time leading scorer, has committed to playing the next two seasons with the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and Canada leading up to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“I feel healthy, feel good,” Sinclair said. “And especially with the turnaround from the (Tok) Olympics to the (2023) World Cup — there’s qualifications this summer — I told (coach) Bev (Priestman) that obviously I’ll take it year by year, but to count me in.
“And then obviously here in Portland, I want to do everything I can here to help continue to grow the game and grow this organization. I’m ready for a little bit more.”
Asked whether that includes the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Sinclair replied: “I’m not guaranteeing that. One thing at a time.”
Sinclair has taken part in five World Cups, four Olympic tournaments and been shortlisted for FIFA women’s player of the year award seven times.
Her bulging trophy cabinet got another piece of hardware as the world governing body of soccer presented Sinclair a special award during its Best FIFA Football Awards gala in Zurich.
Sinclair, who led Canada to Olympic gold in Tokyo last summer, has 188 goals in 308 international appearances.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the men’s all-time scoring record with 115 goals in 184 appearances, also received a special award. Poland’s Robert Lewandowski was named the men’s player of the year, Spain’s Alexia Putellas was the top women’s player and Chile’s Christiane Endler beat out Canadian Stephanie Labbé to win the women’s goalkeeping award.
Sinclair scored her 185th goal, passing American Abby Wambach, against St. Kitts and Nevis on Jan. 29, 2020, during Olympic qualifying.
“This is a very very special trophy for a very, very special best (player) as you are,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, holding Sinclair’s trophy. “It’s very well-deserved. Fantastic.”
Sinclair opened by thanking her family for their support. And she said while wins are often quickly forgotten — although she said she wouldn’t forget the triumph in Tokyo — other memories live on.
“What truly matters most are the moments I’ve shared and the connections that I’ve made,” she said from Portland. “From celebrating with an entire country to experiencing the heartbreak of defeat with those closest to me.
“To all my teammates and staff members along the way, I hope you know how thankful I am for all of you. Together we’ve had the ultimate goal of inspiring generations and changing the sport in our country. I’d say we’ve accomplished that and more.”