Burnaby soccer great Christine Sinclair is once again being recognized on the international stage, this time by the top governing body in the world.
On Monday, Sinclair was honoured by FIFA, receiving The Best FIFA Special Award for being the top scorer in international play of any gender.
Sinclair appeared virtually and was presented the award by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and presenters Reshmin Chowdhury and Jermaine Jenas.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family for their support and guidance throughout my entire career," She said in her opening remarks.
“From my parents’ constant support and allowing their little girl to leave home at a young age to chase my dreams, to my brother for tolerating his younger sister for all those years. I hope he knows all I wanted to be was him. I’m standing here today because of all of you.
Sinclair currently plays for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League but is best known for per play representing her country.
She became the top international scorer in women's soccer on Jan. 29, 2020, netting goal 185, surpassing the previous all-time leader Abby Wambach of the U.S.
Sinclair has worn the Canadian jersey in 308 international appearances, starting 302 of those matches. She reached possibly the biggest accomplishment in her career this past summer at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, where the Women's National Team stunned the world, taking home the gold medal.
She has 188 goals and 53 assists to date.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to experience many successes from winning trophies internationally and at club level and accepting individual awards.
“What matters are all the moments that I have shared and the connections that I have made. Being one of the first to receive this award is an incredible honour. I hope it inspires young girls around the world to chase their dreams and lets them know that anything is possible.”
For men, with some saying he's the greatest player ever, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was recognized with the same award for becoming the top international scorer.
Ronaldo has found the back of the net 115 times while donning the Portuguese jersey.
