Portland Thorns captain and Canada national team star Christine Sinclair announced her retirement on Friday, saying that the 2024 NWSL season will be her last as a professional player.
After starting her career in Canada in 1999, this season marks her 25th as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old, who retired from international play as the world’s all-time leading scorer in December 2023, will leave the game as one of the most decorated players in history for both club and country.
In her social media announcement, Sinclair wrote about Portland, “As I finish out this last ride, I want to say what a privilege it has been to represent this unique, beautiful, and passionate city that I will always call home.”
Sinclair was a Thorn from the start
Sinclair, a two-time NCAA champion with the University of Portland, joined the Thorns in the NWSL’s 2013 inaugural season, leading the club to the league title that year. The 11-season captain helped Portland pick up two more championships in 2017 and 2022, in addition to the 2016 and 2021 NWSL Shield.
Her 64…
