Christine Sinclair has been promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian rank. Governor General Louise Arbour announced the distinction on Friday, placing the retired women's soccer captain among a select group limited to 180 living members.
The citation described Sinclair as "one of the most influential athletes in Canadian history," recognizing her advocacy beyond the pitch. Still, her playing résumé speaks for itself.
Christine Sinclair's Record-Breaking Women's Soccer Career
Sinclair retired from international soccer in 2023 with 190 goals in 331 appearances. That record makes her the all-time leading scorer in both men's and women's soccer. She represented Canada at six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Games, earning bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. Sinclair also led the team to its first Olympic women's soccer gold at the Tokyo Games.
Sinclair joined 61 Canadians appointed or promoted within the Order.
The Order also named actor and advocate Michael J. Fox a Companion while appointing Montreal Canadiens great Yvan Cournoyer as an officer.
But Sinclair's promotion carries particular weight for women's sports, a formal recognition that her impact extends well beyond the final whistle.
