Sinclair moves into second place on world’s all-time list for appearances

Christine Sinclair now ranks second all-time in international “A” appearances after she got the start for Canada’s away match in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday 6 September 2022. Already in her 23rd international season, the 39-year old Sinclair trails only retired world leader Kristine Lilly (354 appearances for USA) after passing retired American Carli Lloyd (316) for second place on the world list.

Canada came from behind to win the away match 2:1 at the new Allianz Stadium in Sydney, with Sinclair getting an assist on the Adriana Leon 1-1 equalizer early in the second half. Said Sinclair of her milestone appearance, “I’ve been very fortunate in my career for its longevity and to be healthy. It is a huge honour.”

Sinclair is already the world’s all-time international goalscoring leader since breaking the record on 29 January 2020. Across 317 international “A” appearances, she has made 305 starts, scored 190 goals, and helped Canada post 170 wins. She is a 14-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year and two-time Canadian Athlete of the Year.

At the international level, Sinclair is an Olympic champion, a Concacaf champion, and a two-time Olympic bronze medal winner. Along with her three Olympic medals, she has won 10 Concacaf medals and two Pan American Games medals (gold and bronze). She also won a silver medal with Canada at the inaugural FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship Canada 2002.

An Officer of the Order of Canada, Sinclair was a recipient of The Best FIFA Special Award and the Canada Soccer President’s Award in recognition of setting the world’s all-time international goalscoring record. She was also honoured earlier this year in front of her home crowd ahead of a Women’s National Team Celebration Tour match at BC Place.

Christine Sinclair, 317 international “A” appearances