ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Rebeka Quinn: A Trailblazing Canadian Soccer Player

Rebeka Quinn is a Canadian professional soccer player who has made history as the first openly transgender and non-binary footballer to compete in the FIFA World Cup. Born on August 11, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Quinn's journey to becoming a world-class athlete began at an early age.

Quinn's father, Bill, was a collegiate rugby player, while their mother, Linda, played college basketball. This athletic background would later influence Quinn's decision to pursue sports as a career. She attended Havergal College, an independent school where she excelled in volleyball and basketball, earning academic honors all four years.

Quinn's foray into soccer began when they were selected for the under-14 provincial team and started playing for the national-level youth program. Despite initial reservations about dance classes, Quinn eventually found their footing on the field. They won the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association (CISAA) Championship in 2011 for volleyball.

Quinn's professional career took off when they signed with Paris FC in the Division 1 Féminine league. Although they only made two appearances during the 2018-19 season, Quinn returned to Reign FC (OL Reign) after the 2019 World Cup and went on to have a successful stint with the team.

In addition to her club career, Quinn has represented Canada at various international levels. She was part of the Canadian junior national team in age groups U15 to U20 and participated in several notable tournaments, including the CONCACAF U17 Championship 2012, the U17 World Championship 2012, and the U20 World Championship 2014.

Quinn's most significant moment came on February 16, 2016, when they scored three goals against Guatemala in an international match as part of Canada's qualification for the 2016 Summer Olympics. This achievement made Quinn the first Canadian person to score three international goals and also earned them a spot in the semi-finals.

At the Olympic Games, Quinn played in three Group F matches and was used in the quarterfinals against France. Although Canada ultimately won the bronze medal, Quinn's performance marked an important milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

In 2019, Quinn was nominated for the FIFA World Cup, further solidifying their status as a trailblazing athlete. With her dedication to soccer and advocacy for inclusivity, Rebeka Quinn continues to