For all she's done in Canada, Christine Sinclair has been equally impactful for soccer around the world

There is no "arguably" when stating that Christine Sinclair is the most impactful and influential soccer player in Canadian history. 

She has the most goals of any international player, man or woman. Her face is synonymous with soccer, and in the last few years, with her fight against inequity in Canada Soccer. Her bright green eyes are not only focused on the pitch but on the legacy off of it. 

I have followed her professional career since it began more than 20 years ago. That career has seen her captain a team that reached the top of the podium, and tearfully exit a major tournament in the early group stages.

She has won medals at three different Olympics, won the Northern Star Award as Canada's best athlete, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and is a recipient of the Order of Canada. She has thrown her support behind the new Canadian domestic league and was present for the announcement. 

Sinclair's storied career has been an honour to witness. Her steely focus and tenacity on the pitch have cemented her place in Canada.

But what about Sinclair's effect worldwide? We know that her humility and her dedication to the growth of the women's game will not only impact soccer in Canada for generations to come, but that her effect in other parts of the women's soccer ecosystem remains pronounced. 

WATCH: Legendary moments that defined a career:

I remember first hearing about Sinclair (adoringly called "Sincy" by her teammates and fans) in the early 2000s after she helped the University of Portland Pilots clinch a NCAA championship. Sinclair scored 110 goals during her tenure with the Pilots and made her mark among other notable players. 

One of her teammates at the school was recently retired USA soccer legend