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Published on May 23, 2024
Portland Thorns Star Christine Sinclair Immortalized with Custom Barbie Doll by MattelSource: Ray Terrill, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Christine Sinclair, the Portland Thorns forward who's as much a force on the field as a guiding star for aspiring athletes, has now been immortalized in plastic. Mattel, the toy giant known for its Barbie brand, has crafted a custom doll in the image of the Canadian soccer phenom, marking another milestone in her illustrious career.

In an initiative to celebrate female athletes who are role models, Sinclair has been chosen to join an exclusive roster, as reported by OregonLive. She sits comfortably in the company of tennis legend Venus Williams and a cadre of others who've to absolutely dominate in their respective sports. “This is something I never thought would happen to me, but it’s a huge honour,” Sinclair told sportsnet.ca.

The accolade doesn't stop there. The native of Canada, who has been shattering records with the Portland Thorns since 2013, took to social media to express her gratitude. "It is truly humbling to be recognized by Mattel as a @Barbie Role Model alongside so many other amazing athletes around the world!" Sinclair said, a sentiment captured by KATU. With an all-time high of 190 international goals, Sinclair's achievements resonate far beyond the pitch.

However, fans eager to get their hands on a Sinclair Barbie will have to admire from afar, as these dolls are unique and not up for sale. As OregonLive points out, these are one-of-a-kind pieces meant to celebrate the individual they're modeled after. The significance of this honor is not lost on Sinclair, who deeply understands the impact of representation, “As I’ve matured, being a role model to the next generation, and to show young girls that anything is possible, is one of the most important things I do,” she has remarked.