Thorns F Christine Sinclair retiring after this season

Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair announced on Friday that she will retire at the end of the season.

Sinclair, 41, has been with the Thorns since their inaugural NWSL campaign in 2013. She helped Portland win league championships in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

The Canadian legend is also the all-time leader, men or women, with 190 goals in international play. She played in six World Cups and four Olympics, winning a gold medal in the Tokyo Games in 2021.

"Portland, thank you will never be enough," Sinclair wrote on Instagram. "Soccer has been my passion since I was four years old and it has taken me on a journey I could never have imagined. The game led me to making the most impactful decision of my life: to attend the University of Portland.

"As I finish out this last ride, I want to say what a privilege it has been to represent this unique, beautiful, and passionate city that I will always call home.

"I still have the same passion as that young 4-year-old growing up in Burnaby, BC, but as I hang up my playing boots, I vow to channel it in a new way.

"To continue growing the game I love, while inspiring the next generation."

Sinclair's final regular-season match will be against visiting Angel City FC on Nov. 1. The Thorns currently sit seventh in the NWSL standings, with the top eight making the playoffs.

Sinclair also won two NCAA national championships at the University of Portland in 2002 and 2005.

--Field Level Media