“My Worst Nightmare” – Retiring Christine Sinclair Admits Fear Over Facing Similar Treatment as Megan Rapinoe

USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe retired from soccer as she influenced many generations. Similarly, 40-year-old Canadian women’s team captain Christine Sinclair spoke to the press surrounding her imminent retirement recently. Sinclair touched on finding herself on the verge of retirement, just like Rapinoe, and confessed to facing a similar situation to the 2019 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner. 

Rapinoe retired from club and international soccer earlier this month and received a tremendous response and turnout from USWNT fans, who also donned pink wigs as a mark of respect. But shortly after Megan Rapinoe’s farewell tour that happened earlier in October, Sinclair spoke out about her farewell tour that commences soon while making some rather amusing comments. 

Canadian women’s soccer star Christine Sinclair dreads farewell tour akin to Megan Rapinoe

With age catching up, her performances took a step back this season. Notably, Sinclair has scored three goals and made one assist in 19 games in the NSWL for the Portland Thorns this season. She has also slightly over-performed her xG of 2.7 in her final season. A true legend of the game and a fox in the box, Sinclair scored 190 goals in 327 caps for Canada and is the highest goal scorer in international soccer, whether male or female.

Speaking to the media ahead of her farewell tour that will take place in Montreal, Halifax, Langford, British Columbia, and Vancouver, Sinclar said, “I’ve seen what US teammates like Megan Rapinoe went through and yes, that is my worst nightmare.” 

Retiring after an illustrious career, Rapinoe reflected on her career following her retirement. In her speech, Rapinoe stated, “I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign.” 

It is natural for soccer players to feel empty after a long career. Yet, Sinclair can probably look back to celebrate her career. Some of her records are just exemplary. She became the second oldest player at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which happened in Sweden earlier this year at 40 years and 38 days. Significantly, her international goal tally is the all-time highest record in soccer history, whether male or female. Better than even Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi!

Also read: “Nobody Wants to See You Make the World a Better Place” – Megan Rapinoe Blasted by Piers Morgan After USWNT Retirement

Christine Sinclair’s goal-scoring record is more than Cristiano Ronaldo

With her formidable tally, she has eclipsed even Ronaldo, who has 127 goals for Portugal, and Messi with 106 for Argentina. Shortly after announcing her retirement, it prompted analysts to suggest that Ronaldo would never beat Sinclair’s international goal-scoring record in his career. The 40-year-old Canadian also has nearly triple the amount of goals than Megan Rapinoe, who scored 63 goals for the USWNT until she retired.

Christine Sinclair failed to score at this year’s Women’s World Cup after her penalty was saved against Nigeria, which would have taken her tally to even higher proportions. She would have also broken the record of being the first soccer player to score in 6 different World Cups. To sum up, she is a legend of the game and deserves all the plaudits.

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