Malawi’s football sensation Temwa Chawinga has reached a milestone in her remarkable career with a nomination for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, the highest individual accolade in world women’s football.
The Kansas City Current forward has been in sensational form over the past two seasons.
In 2024, Chawinga made history by becoming the first-ever player to score 20 goals in a single NWSL season, earning her both the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player honours.
She also became the first to score in eight straight matches and to find the net against every team in the league.
Now, in 2025, the 26-year-old striker continues to shine with nine goals in 14 appearances, helping Kansas City stay at the top of the NWSL table.
Chawinga is among 30 elite nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or and one of two African players on the list alongside Barbra Banda, the current African Women’s Footballer of the Year.
This year’s list, revealed on August 7, also includes stars from England’s UEFA Women’s Euro-winning squad, such as Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Hannah Hampton.
England’s Michelle Agyemang has been shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy, which honours top young talent.
Brazilian legend Marta, a six-time FIFA Best Player winner, is also in the running.
The Ballon d’Or Féminin has been awarded annually since 2018. So far, only one player from the NWSL Megan Rapinoe in 2019 has ever claimed the prize.
The nomination has sparked nationwide excitement with fans across Malawi flooding social media to celebrate their star.
“She’s put Malawi on the global map. This is history in the making!” one fan posted on Facebook.
“From Rumphi to the world stage! We are proud of you, Temwa!” wrote another.
“This is more than football. It’s hope for every Malawian girl with a dream,” another supporter shared on Facebook.
