Sinclair’s Jersey to Be Retired in Portland as a Lasting Honor

According to Canadian Soccer Daily, on October 4, Christine Sinclair will receive a special honor at Providence Park, where the Portland Thorns will retire her No. 12 jersey as she is inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. This is a significant moment, as it is the first time the team has retired a player’s jersey, highlighting her important role in the franchise.

Since she became captain in the Thorns’ first season in 2013, Sinclair has led the team to three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two Shields, and a Challenge Cup. Over her 12-year tenure, she set records as the club’s all-time leader in goals (79), appearances (237), starts (215), and minutes played (18,579), showing remarkable skill and dedication on the field.

Sinclair’s influence extends beyond Portland. The Burnaby native has represented Canada in six FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in Tokyo 2021. With 190 goals in 331 international appearances, she holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in soccer, for both men and women. In 2025, she will be inducted into both the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.

Her connection to Portland began during her college years at the University of Portland, where she recorded 110 goals and won two national titles. She then won professional titles in the U.S. before becoming a cornerstone of the Thorns.

In Portland, the No. 12 jersey will never be worn again. Sinclair will always be honored as a player who shaped a significant era.