In an announcement that has reverberated throughout the world of women's soccer, Christine Sinclair, the all-time leading international goal scorer, has declared her retirement from the Canada women's national team. The 40-year-old athlete, who has left an indelible mark on the sport, will, however, continue to play for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the upcoming season.

Sinclair's remarkable international career is highlighted by an astounding record of 190 goals in 327 games representing Canada. She has also earned numerous accolades, including an Olympic gold medal and six appearances in the FIFA World Cup. Known as one of Canada's most recognizable athletes, Sinclair spoke to Reuters about her decision, stating, "Honestly, you can't play forever. And this seems like a good time to be done."

Her retirement from the national team means that Sinclair will not participate in her fourth Olympics, scheduled to take place in Paris next year. After the Tokyo Olympics, Sinclair decided against playing in Paris and aimed to give the World Cup another shot. However, Canada's World Cup journey this year ended early in the group stage, prompting Sinclair to reflect on her international career and not wanting it to conclude on such a note.

To bid adieu to her illustrious international career, Sinclair will be part of a pair of sendoff games during the FIFA international window from November 27 to December 5. Canada Soccer is working on organizing additional matches, which will be announced next week.

Sinclair's accomplishments on the field are nothing short of extraordinary. She surpassed Abby Wambach's record of 184 international goals in a 2020 Olympic qualifying game against Saint Kitts and Nevis, solidifying her position as the highest-scoring international player in history. Sinclair's crowning achievement came during the Tokyo Olympics, where she and her team clinched the Olympic title, marking the first-ever triumph for the Canadian women's team, defeating Sweden in a shootout in the final.

Having made her debut as a 16-year-old at the 2000 Algarve Cup, Sinclair's dedication and skill over the years have earned her widespread recognition. In 2021, she received the prestigious Best FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement. In addition to her Olympic gold, she has also secured two bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. Sinclair has been named the Canadian women's player of the year a remarkable 14 times.

Off the field, Sinclair has made a profound impact as well. Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2013 and appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017, she has become an influential figure and contributed to the fight for equal pay and treatment in women's soccer.

As Sinclair prepares to bid farewell to the international stage, she remains focused on her upcoming season with the Portland Thorns in the NWSL. Her retirement from the national team will allow her to spend more time with her family and enjoy offseason breaks, something she has not been able to do since her college years.

Canadian soccer fans will have the opportunity to show their appreciation for Sinclair's remarkable career during a pair of friendlies against Brazil on October 28 in Montreal and three days later in Halifax. The game at Halifax's Wanderers Grounds, with a seating capacity of 6,400 fans, sold out within a mere 20 minutes, a testament to the impact Sinclair has made on the sport and the support she garners from her dedicated fans.

As one era closes, the legacy of Christine Sinclair, the world's top international scorer and a true icon of the game, will undeniably endure, inspiring future generations of athletes and leaving an indelible mark on the sport of women's soccer.