Christine Sinclair: Soccer Legend Receives Honors in Portland
The Portland Thorns announced that they will retire the number 12 jersey of historic forward Christine Sinclair in a special ceremony to be held on October 4 at Providence Park.
Also, Sinclair will be the first player to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Sinclair retired in 2024 as the all-time leading international goal scorer, with an impressive total of 190 goals for the Canadian national team.
Her journey with the Thorns began in the inaugural NWSL season in 2013, being one of the first figures to join the team.Christine Sinclair, one of the first players in Thorns history, retired in 2024.
Sinclair is the only player who has remained on the team throughout this period, contributing to the conquest of the inaugural NWSL championship in 2013, followed by titles in 2017 and 2023.
The Thorns also won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021. Sinclair finished her career with 79 goals in all NWSL competitions, ranking second in the league’s history.
The retirement of jerseys is an uncommon honor in soccer.
Alex Morgan, who was Sinclair’s teammate in Portland during the early years, including the 2013 championship, had her number 13 jersey retired by the San Diego Wave earlier this month.
Sinclair played at the international and professional level for almost 25 years, debuting with Canada in the year 2000.
Participated in six World Cups. Sinclair’s connection to Portland also includes her time in the NCAA at the University of Portland, where she led the team to national championships in 2002 and 2005.
In addition, she was awarded as the best college soccer player with the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2004 and 2005.
