Canada Soccer Hall of Fame welcomes Sinclair, Matheson in Class of 2025
Former Canada captain Christine Sinclair and Northern Super League co-founder Diana Matheson lead the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
The two, who won a combined 537 caps for Canada, are joined by former goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld and former FIFA referee Michelle Pye in the induction class.
"Canada Soccer is honoured to celebrate this exceptional group of individuals as esteemed members of the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame," Canada Soccer president Peter Augruso said in a statement. "Lars, Diana, Michelle and Christine have made a profound impact on the sport in Canada, and I am delighted that their significant contributions are being recognized."
Normally, there is a five-year waiting period after retirement to be eligible for the Hall. But in the case of Sinclair, the world's all-time leading goal-scorer, the Canada Soccer Heritage and Hall of Fame Committee decided unanimously to expedite her selection.
Sinclair, who scored 190 goals and added 54 assists in 331 international appearances, becomes the first to have the waiting period waived.
Sinclair's last club game was a Nov. 10 Portland Thorns' loss to Gotham FC in the NWSL playoffs. Her international swansong for Canada was Dec. 5, 2023.
The new inductees bring the Hall of Fame numbers to 147 players, 13 coaches, 11 officials, and 45 builders.
"It will be our honour and privilege to welcome these four legends to the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, to shine a light on their legacy, and to protect their records and contributions to sport in Canada," saidΓÇï Ken MacLean, chair of the Canada Soccer Heritage and Hall of Fame Committee
Hirschfeld and Matheson were both selected through annual voting in the Modern Canadian Players category, while Pye was chosen