by Emmanuel Faith (15/7/23)
Above: Canadian legend Christine Sinclair who will be going all out to add to her world record tally of goals at the World Cup at the age of 40. Photo: City News, Toronto.
Recently, Impetus published our list of 23 players under the age of 23 that you should watch out for at this year’s World Cup (https://impetusfootball.org/2023/07/07/23-players-under-the-age-of-23-to-look-out-for-at-the-world-cup/)
This time, I want to spotlight some notable legends who might be having their last dance on the world stage over the coming weeks.
Christine Sinclair
When the Canadian scored her first goal against Norway on the 14th of March 2000, no one would predict that she would go ahead to score another 189 goals, and she
will be looking to add to this tally in Australia.
An Olympic gold medallist, two-time Olympic bronze medallist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award, Sinclair is the world’s all-time leader for international goals male or female, and the 40-year-old legend will be looking to add to her laurels.
Having led the team to multiple successes and scored noticeable goals for Canada, including the famous hat trick against the USA at the London Olympics in 2012, Sinclair will be hoping that her goals will pilot the Canadians to the final and hopefully pick up a medal. But first, they have to come out of the group that has the host, the African queens, and a really exciting debutant in the Republic of Ireland.
Onome Ebi
Dependable, dogged, and reliable are the adjectives that describe Nigeria’s captain. Having played three decades of football, the 40-year-old defender will be the oldest player at the World Cup 2023.
A serial winner, Onome has been part of the Super Falcons team that dominated Africa over the last two decades, winning the WAFCON four times within this period. Known for her defensive coordination and aerial prowess, she will be hoping her team puts up a memorable performance for her last dance as she leads the team to their eighth consecutive appearance.
Megan Rapinoe
When she announced her retirement, the world went agog! The winner of the
Ballon d’Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2019 has been a major force on and off the pitch for the USWNT and her last ride will be a delight to behold.
Despite the wealth of new attacking talents in the US team, Rapinoe is still a key part of the defending champions’ offensive play. Her work from the wing and quick-footed movements in the midfield are traits the team will revel in when required.
Whether she is starting a match, or coming on from the bench, the world will be excited to watch Rapinoe for one last World Cup, and if the team is to have a shot at a history-making three-peat, then the star will play a crucial role to make this lofty dream come to life.
Noko Matlou
She might not be a globally renowned name, but Noko Alice Matlou is a heroine in
her continent, and her country of South Africa sings great praises of her. The winner of the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year in 2008, Noko is one of the few players that have had successful careers in two entirely different positions – a striker and a defender.
She played as a striker between 2009 and 2014 before being deployed as a defender by the Dutch maestro Vera Paw. Having won the WAFCON for the first time last year July, at 38, Noko will hope to lead the Bayana-Bayana to a performance better than their debut display.
Marta
Often regarded as the greatest female football player of all time, Marta Veira Da Silva has imprinted her name in the heart of all and sundry. The 37-year-old playmaker popularized female football with her dazzling skills, samba-like movement and
clinical goals.
With 17 goals, Marta holds the record for most goals scored in the FIFA Womens World Cup tournament and was the first footballer of any gender to score at five World Cup editions,a feat matched by Christine Sinclair in 2019 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022.
Marta ruled the female football world in the 2010s, winning five consecutive FIFA Player of the Year awards during the period. She would be hoping to cap an illustrious career with a shot at the trophy every player longs to win.
Are there any players we missed out on? Which of these players are you excited to watch?
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