Christine Sinclair, the world’s leading goal scorer and one of the most influential soccer players in Canadian history, is set to play her final international match on December 5, 2023, in Vancouver. The Burnaby-born star announced her retirement from the national team in October, after a 23-year career that saw her win two Olympic bronze medals, a gold medal in Tokyo, and six FIFA Women’s World Cups. Sinclair has scored 190 goals in 314 appearances for Canada, more than any other player, male or female, in the history of the sport.
A tribute from her home province
To celebrate her legacy and achievements, the government of British Columbia has proclaimed December 12, 2023, as Christine Sinclair Day in the province. The proclamation was issued by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin on November 20, 2023, and recognizes Sinclair’s impact on the local community, the amateur sports system, and the advancement of women’s soccer in Canada and around the world. The proclamation also aims to raise awareness of the underrepresentation of women and girls in sport and to support professional women’s soccer leagues in Canada.
A special night at BC Place
On the night of her final match, BC Place, the stadium where Sinclair played many of her memorable games, will be renamed Christine Sinclair Place for one evening. The stadium will also light up in red and white, the colors of the Canadian flag, and display Sinclair’s number 12 on the exterior. The game against Australia will be part of a doubleheader, with the Canadian men’s team facing Mexico in a World Cup qualifier earlier in the day.
In addition to the name change and the lighting, BC Place will also host several tributes to Sinclair throughout the game, both on and off the field. These include:
- Specialty foods based on Sinclair’s favorite eats, such as pizza, sushi, and ice cream.
- A #12 specialty cocktail, available exclusively for one night, made with Canadian whisky, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.
- A pre-game ceremony featuring a video montage of Sinclair’s career highlights, messages from former teammates and coaches, and a presentation of a commemorative plaque.
- A halftime show featuring local musicians and dancers, celebrating Sinclair’s achievements and contributions to the community.
- A post-game celebration with fireworks, confetti, and a lap of honor by Sinclair and her teammates.
A farewell tour across the country
Sinclair’s final game in Vancouver will be the last of a four-game farewell tour across Canada, which will also include matches in Langford, B.C., Ottawa, and Hamilton. The tour will give fans across the country a chance to say goodbye and thank you to Sinclair, who has inspired generations of soccer players and fans with her skill, passion, and leadership. Sinclair will continue to play for the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League for one more season, before hanging up her boots for good.
