“I think what’s special for me is that this goes beyond soccer,” she told Canada Soccer. “I am a very, very proud Canadian, I am proud of where I am from, and to be recognized in this nature is surreal. It’s not something you can dream about happening to you… I can dream of winning a World Cup or an Olympic Gold Medal, and that’s my job, but to have your country recognize you – I don’t even know what to say.”
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
“On behalf of Canada Soccer, congratulations to Christine on this momentous achievement,” said Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President. “We’ve had the opportunity to watch Christine grow up and have been privileged to watch her become a Canadian icon and role model for all Canadians. She is truly deserving of this honour.”
Sinclair has scored 168 goals in 259 appearances for Canada over 17 years and was named Canada Soccer’s Player of the Year in 13 of those years. She has led Canada to two Olympic Bronze Medals, a CONCACAF Championship victory, and countless international successes. She is the second all-time top goal scorer and the top currently active in the international game. A quiet, unassuming leader, Sinclair leads by example and sets the standard for players who don the maple leaf.
A remarkable Canadian on and off the pitch, Sinclair is known for her steady determination and reliability as Canada’s talisman.
“Everything she does is about playing for her country,” said Head Coach John Herdman. “Every single day the decisions she makes about her football career and around her personal life, are about pulling on that red jersey. When someone gets that opportunity they either treat it as their sport, or as a calling, and I think Christine over the last eight years, and certainly over the time I’ve known her, has recognised that this is her calling to be part of something special – a team, a game – that transcends a soccer field.”
