Generations of girls say goodbye, and thank you, to soccer legend Christine Sinclair
Janice Ruelle and her teenage daughter, along with dozens of young female athletes, gathered on a dark December night to bid farewell to their hero, soccer sensation Christine Sinclair. Sinclair, the world’s all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer, played her penultimate game on Friday in Langford, B.C. As she prepares to play her last game with Team Canada on Tuesday night in Vancouver, her impact on girls across the country continues to resonate.
She is just such an inspiration to all the girls who can see where they can go and who they can become, said Ruelle, holding back tears. She is just on and off the field amazing.
Ruelle’s 15-year-old daughter, Alexis, expressed her gratitude for having Sinclair as a role model. I think she’s changing women’s sports and women’s soccer for the good, said the teenage soccer player.
Sinclair, now 40, joined the senior national team at the age of 16 in 2000, and her impressive career has spanned over two decades. With a world-record total of 190 goals, she has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Reflecting on her journey, Sinclair shared, All the players on the national team, we were once that young kid that had aspirations and dreams of playing professionally and representing Canada, World Cups and Olympics. And there’s no secret it’s a lot of work, but man, it’s the best job in the world.
Recognizing the importance of inspiring the next generation, Sinclair plans to stay involved in the sport, potentially as a coach. She expressed her pride in witnessing the growth of the game and hoped it would continue to flourish in Canada.
Throughout her career, Sinclair has not only showcased her incredible skill on the field but has also fought for equality and better treatment for female athletes. In collaboration with her teammates, she urged Canada Soccer for more equitable support and a new labor deal. Despite their ongoing battle, Sinclair remains proud of the progress made and hopes it inspires positive change in the future.
Fans have been touched by Sinclair’s journey and her efforts to elevate women’s sports. Amanda Cribdon, who first saw Sinclair play in 2002, expressed her admiration, saying, I think for a lot of her career, people like her were told to sit back and be grateful that they even had opportunities to play at a stage like this. She is the first one that’s kicking back and saying that’s not good enough, so I think it’s incredibly admirable.
The younger fans eagerly anticipated watching their hero, perhaps unaware of the strides Sinclair has made off the field. Alia Barta, an 11-year-old soccer player, shared her excitement and admiration, saying, For female soccer players, it’s very inspiring to see a high achiever like that. Barta added that Sinclair’s dedication, drive, and sportsmanship have made women’s soccer more popular.
As Sinclair played her final game against Australia at B.C. Place on Tuesday night, over 40,000 fans, ready to show their love and appreciation, filled the stadium. Vanessa Gilles, Sinclair’s teammate, acknowledged the emotional evening and noted that Sinclair’s legacy will endure for years to come.
Sinclair’s impact reaches far beyond her record-breaking achievements. She has paved the way for future generations of female athletes, leaving a lasting legacy as an inspiration, role model, and advocate.
