As Christine Sinclair readies for her farewell, rivals from around the world pay tribute

As Canada's most beloved and storied soccer player readies for her international farewell, in Vancouver's BC Place that will be renamed for her for the night, Canadians are reflecting on Christine Sinclair's contributions on and off the pitch.

"Sinc" leaves an unparalleled legacy and although she remains in the beautiful game with her Portland team in the National Women's Soccer League, her days of leading Canada's national team will soon be over. She retires from international duty as the highest scoring player in history.

As expected, people are sharing their thoughts and memories of how she's represented Canada, her unbelievable records and numerous accolades. 

Over the next week, there will be no shortage of writers and content creators waxing poetic about Sinclair. And some of the most profound and heartwarming tributes will not be from her teammates but, ironically, from those whom she has played against for more than 20 years. Many of Sinclair's formidable opponents have also expressed their respect and fond regard for the prolific Canadian.

Megan Rapinoe, her former college teammate and talisman of Sinclair's most famed rivals — the U.S. women's team — declared her the best player to never win the Ballon d'Or. 

Sinclair's piercing focus, dedication and drive have cemented Canada as a force to be reckoned with at the highest echelons of the beautiful game. It makes sense that some of the most memorable commentary on her legendary career are from players who sat in different dressing rooms and at whom she was directly aiming her shots. 

I always wondered how her opponents were feeling as she went tearing through their end of the pitch. What are they feeling as she leaves her place as captain of Canada's team? How did Sinclair affect or influence them? 

I reached out to players from all corners of the world who have played against Sinclair at different points throughout her international career. Players from four continents replied enthusiastically to contribute to the chorus of voices singing her praises. And it also came as no surprise that Sinclair's playing style was not the only remarked-upon thing; her leadership has made its imprint on the world.

Tiffany Cameron is Canadian-born but plays for Jamaica's Reggae Girlz and is currently starting at Real Betis Féminas in Spain. She was once part of Canada's national program with Sinclair.

"I've always admired how humble Christine has been and her leadership on and off the field," Cameron told me. "It was a privilege to play with such an outstanding player and I strive to emulate some of the skills she has acquired throughout her years of playing."

Most recently, Canada won a friendly against Jamaica to earn a spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. In eight months, Canada will defend its Olympic title without Sinclair. Canada has not known women's soccer without Sinclair for decades. She has been a staple of the program and a stalwart during its success and struggles.

Retired Nigerian soccer legend Ayisat Yusuf first faced Sinclair in 2002 at the Under 20 Women's World Cup. But what she will never forget is Sinclair's resilience despite tough situations.

"She is an amazing player and great leader," Yusuf told me via text message. "She has a real passion for football and she has the charisma to challenge difficulty with her never-give-up spirit on and off the pitch. It hurt her when she lost a penalty against Nigeria at this year's World Cup, which is the same for any other player as well because every player wants to give their best for the country." 

I remembered that penalty kick and Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie's outstanding performance. When commenting on the match afterward, Nnadozie explained the save and Sinclair very aptly.