Soccer enthusiasts, fans, and the local community are gearing up for an emotional and historic moment as Christine Sinclair, a true soccer legend, prepares to conclude her illustrious international career with a pair of games against Australia.
Canada Soccer announced this momentous occasion on Monday, and the highlight of this farewell tour will be the game taking place in Langford at Starlight Stadium.
Sinclair, a native of Burnaby, made headlines last week when she announced her retirement from international football.
With an incredible international career spanning over two decades, Sinclair’s impact on the world of soccer is immeasurable. She has etched her name in history as the all-time leading international goal scorer, surpassing both male and female players with an astounding 190 goals to her name.
Her 327 international caps are the most in Canadian soccer history.
This iconic forward made her debut for the Canadian senior side in the year 2000 and never looked back. Over the course of her career, Sinclair graced six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and achieved Olympic glory with three medals—two bronze and a gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Her contributions to the sport have not only been about scoring goals but also about inspiring countless young athletes and fans with her dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
In a fitting tribute to her incredible career, Sinclair will take the field one last time in her home province for two games, one in Langford and the other in Vancouver.
A Sinclair Send-Off ❤️
Canada will line up vs. Australia in a 2-match series in British Columbia this December as captain Christine Sinclair heads home for the last international series of her remarkable career.#ThankYouSinc 🐐@CANWNT x @VisaCA | @CIBC pic.twitter.com/wS8DqLOz5S
— CANWNT (@CANWNT) October 23, 2023
On Friday, December 1st, Starlight Stadium in Langford will play host to the first of two farewell matches, as the Canadian women’s national team takes on Australia.
The Matildas, who co-hosted the World Cup this summer, will once again face Canada, with memories of their 4-0 win that ended Canada’s World Cup journey fresh in everyone’s minds.
For fans in Langford, this will be a rare and emotional opportunity to witness a living legend on their home turf, and the significance of this event cannot be overstated.
Sinclair has not only been a phenomenal athlete but also an ambassador for the sport and a role model for aspiring soccer players across Canada and beyond.
“Competing against a top opposition in Australia will be critical in our preparation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, and of course, it will be an incredible occasion in Vancouver to celebrate Christine’s historic, decorated career in her hometown,” said Canada’s manager, Bev Priestman, acknowledging the significance of these games.
While Sinclair will retire from international play, her commitment to the sport is far from over. She has already announced her intentions to continue her soccer journey with the Portland Thorns in 2024, ensuring that fans will still have the opportunity to witness her brilliance on the field.
Tickets to the December 1st match at Langford’s Starlight Stadium and December 5th match at BC Place will launch with presale windows starting Wednesday October 25th followed by a public on-sale date of Monday October 30 via canadasoccer.com.
