In an outpouring of affection and respect, a constellation of stars has rallied to honor the legacy of a true matriarch of the beautiful game, Christine Sinclair. The digital tributes, curated and unveiled by CBC Sports, resonate with a harmony of voices praising the soccer icon’s transcendence both on and off the pitch.
None other than silver screen virtuoso, Ryan Reynolds, graced the tribute with his heartfelt esteem. “I just want to wish you all the best, all the luck, and all the love in retirement,” he lauded, reflecting a sentiment echoed by luminaries across a spectrum of disciplines.
The eve of Sinclair’s swansong on Canadian soil will witness a historic tilt against the formidable Aussies, set against the backdrop of Vancouver’s BC Place—renamed “Christine Sinclair Place” for one storied day to commemorate two decades of her unparalleled contribution to sport.
Renowned crooner Michael Buble added a personal touch, extolling Sinclair’s influence on younger generations, including his own daughters, drawn to emulate Sinclair’s poise and prowess.
Sinclair’s pending adieu as an active member of Canada’s squad does not mark her departure from the lush battlegrounds of soccer; she pledges allegiance for one final season with the Portland Thorns, her NWSL sanctuary since 2013.
John Herdman, who has seen the ascendancy of both men’s and women’s teams, said of Sinclair, “What you’ve never done will never be eclipsed.” An accolade reflective of Sinclair’s pioneering spirit that continues to forge paths for the women’s game.
With an awe-inspiring tally of 190 international goals over 322 appearances and a trove of Olympic hardware—gold and bronze alike—Sinclair’s saga is the stuff of legend.
Mia Hamm, herself a soccer titan and third all-time in goals scored for the U.S., acknowledged Sinclair’s indelible impact: “The game is better because we have had you in it.”
Leylah Fernandez, titan of the tennis courts, and a host of Sinclair’s peers in sport—including Marie Philip-Poulin, Sarah Nurse, Dwayne De Rosario, and former teammate Diana Matheson—have banded together to herald the journey of a woman who not only elevated soccer in Canada but empowered women everywhere to pursue greatness.
The fulsome tribute, capturing the reverence and respect of Sinclair’s peers, is available for viewing, encapsulating the profound legacy of a woman who has not just played a sport but has redefined it for generations to come.
