The leader of Canadian soccer is now up for a major international award.
Burnaby’s Christine Sinclair, who has captained the national women’s team to World Cup and Olympic medals, was one of 10 players shortlisted for FIFA’s women’s player of the year.
For the 33-year-old forward, it is the eighth time she has been nominated for the FIFA honour, most recently in 2013. In 2012 she placed fifth in the voting.
Following Canada’s bronze-medal win at Rio this summer, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani, who also hails from Burnaby, spoke glowingly of Sinclair’s impact in the sport in Canada.
“She’s just an unbelievable person and we’re so privileged to have her as part of our Canadian soccer family,” Montagliani said.
“To be quite honest, we’re so privileged to have her as a Canadian. She’s just one of those generational type of personalities. I think we should all be proud of her.”
Sinclair has also been named Canadian Women’s Player of the Year 12 times, including the last 11 years.
With 165 international goals, Sinclair sits second among all-time scorers.
The winner will be chosen through a voting process composed of 50 per cent of national team captains and head coaches. The other 50 per cent will tally the votes of an online public ballot and international media.
