Class of 2010 : Silvana Burtini

A three-time FIFA Women’s World Cup participant, Silvana Burtini is one of the most distinguished Canadian women’s national team players of all time.



Burtini made her national team debut on 5 July 1987 at just 18 years of age. She would go on to record 78 international appearances for Canada (10th all-time) and score 38 goals (third all-time). She twice set a national record for goals in a game – five goals in a 6:0 win over Mexico in 1994 and then eight goals in a 21:0 win over Puerto Rico in 1998.



“It’s been an honour to represent Canada,” said Burtini. “In 1987 as an 18 year old I had the opportunity to play in China in front of a crowd of over 60,000 which was unbelievable. As I grew, I was able to add a different dimension to my game and take on more of leadership role on the team.”



1998 was a banner year for Burtini. Canada won the 1998 CONCACAF Championship and Burtini was named the Championship’s Most Valuable Player. She followed that up by being named the 1998 Canadian Player of the Year.



She represented Canada at three FIFA Women’s World Cups – Canada’s inaugural appearance at Sweden 1995, USA 1999, and the memorable USA 2003 tournament, where Canada reached the semi-finals before finishing fourth.



“The 2003 World Cup was a different experience for me as I changed positions from forward to defence,” remembers Burtini. “The atmosphere was good within the team. We had a lot of young players who had a lot of heart and desire. It was great to see how close we came.”



In 2005 she was named one of FIFA’s Ambassadors for Women’s Football. Burtini joins a select group as just the eighth female inducted into The Soccer Hall of Fame.



“It is an honour to be nominated to the Hall of Fame, something I wasn’t expecting,” said Burtini. “It’s a tribute to all the great players that I have played with throughout my career.”



Silvana Burtini reflects on her career and being inducted into The Soccer Hall of Fame