In the twilight of a storied career, the revered Christine Sinclair has chosen to grace the pitch for another season, cementing her legacy in the very fibers of the Portland Thorns FC. With a one-year contract freshly inked, the 2024 season will again be adorned with the prowess of a luminary who not only captivates fans but epitomizes the spirit of the Rose City’s beloved soccer.
From her inaugural strides on the Thorns’ field in 2013, Sinclair has left an indelible mark, a legacy etched across 176 appearances over 11 sublime seasons. Her staggering tally of 62 career goals is a testament to an athlete operating at the zenith of her craft. With her instrumental leadership, Portland has thrice been crowned NWSL champions, in years that resonate through the club’s history—2013, 2017, and the recent 2022 triumph.
“I’m thrilled to be back at Portland for another year and be a part of this next era of women’s soccer in the Rose City,” Sinclair’s statement shimmered with pride and anticipation for the battles and victories that lay ahead.
The year 2023 beheld Sinclair’s departure from international football, yet not before she made history. After a marathon of resilience spanning 23 years, the Canadian legend retired from the national team, leaving a record that shadows all others—331 matches, 190 goals, the summit of international scoring—an Everest scaling achievement.
Mike Norris, the head coach whose regard for Sinclair borders on reverence, lauded her return: “To get the GOAT back in a Thorns jersey for 2024 is fantastic news. To have Sinc’s experience, qualities, and presence is vital for our roster, in both her impact on the field as well as the example she sets for others on a daily basis. She is a key piece of the identity of the Thorns and what it means to represent Portland, Soccer City, USA.”
Thus, as the 2024 season beckons, the Portland Thorns bask in the assurance of Sinclair’s return—a champion whose career is a mosaic of achievements, a beacon to those who follow, and a source of pride to a city that adores her.
