Malawi Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga has been nominated for the prestigious UNFP Trophy for Best Women’s Player in France’s Arkema Première Ligue.
The nomination places Chawinga among the league’s standout performers, alongside top talents such as Melchie Dumornay, Sakina Karchaoui, Romée Leuchter and Clara Mateo.
Currently playing for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Chawinga has been in exceptional form, earning praise for her speed, strength and eye for goal.
Her performances have made her one of the most dangerous forwards in the French top flight.
Chawinga’s journey to the top has been remarkable. She began her career in Malawi before moving abroad to play professionally in Sweden with clubs such as Kvarnsvedens IK, where she made an immediate impact as a prolific goal scorer.
Her success in Scandinavia opened doors to China, where she starred for Jiangsu Suning F.C., winning domestic titles and individual accolades.
She later moved to Europe’s top leagues, featuring for Inter Milan Women in Italy before making a high-profile switch to France.
During her time in the Division 1 Féminine, she enjoyed a historic season, becoming the first African player to win the league’s Player of the Season award after an outstanding campaign in which she scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists.
At international level, Chawinga has been a key figure for the Malawi women’s national football team, captaining the side and leading them in major competitions including the Africa Women Cup of Nations, where Malawi reached the knockout stages for the first time.
Her latest nomination is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Malawi, as she continues to inspire a new generation of female footballers and elevate the country’s profile on the global stage.
The winner of the UNFP award is expected to be announced at the end of the season
