Malawian forward Temwa Chawinga has been nominated for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, one of only two Africans on the list of 30. Her impressive performance in the US-based National Women’s Soccer League has caught the attention of several media outlets. Chawinga plays for Kansas City Current and has been scoring goals consistently since moving to the States. Her achievements at club level have put her among the contenders for the prestigious award.
The evaluation timeframe for the 2026 Ballon d’Or covers the entire 2025/26 European season, which ended before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was held in Morocco. At the tournament, Chawinga won the Golden Boot and guided her team, the Scorchers, to the final in their maiden appearance. Some media outlets believe that her WAFCON exploits could have significantly increased her chances of winning the award if they were considered.
Despite the exclusion of her WAFCON performance, Chawinga’s achievements in the NWSL have earned her recognition. She won her second consecutive NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards in 2025. According to olympics.com, Chawinga scored 16 goals and provided three assists over 22 games between August 2025 and July 2026. Her consistent goal-scoring ability has made her a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
ESPN still tips Chawinga as one of the contenders for the global award, citing her consecutive NWSL success. However, the publication notes that strong European competition keeps her as an outsider rather than the outright favourite. Chawinga’s sister, Tabitha, who is also her teammate and captain of the Scorchers, has expressed her support for Chawinga’s chances of winning the award.
Tabitha recently told ESPN that she believes in her sister’s abilities and thinks she has a good chance of winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or. “She’s one of the best players in the world,” Tabitha said. “I believe she will win the best player in Africa as well and, maybe, the Ballon d’Or as well.” Chawinga’s family and teammates have high hopes for her, and her performance on the field has earned her recognition.
The winner of the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 30. Chawinga will be competing against other top players from around the world, including Zambian forward Barbara Banda, who is also nominated for the award. The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football, and Chawinga’s nomination is a significant achievement for her and African football.
Chawinga’s journey to the top has been impressive, with her consistently scoring goals and providing assists for her team. Her hard work and talent have earned her recognition, and her nomination for the Ballon d’Or is a testament to her dedication to the sport. The award will be a significant milestone in her career, and her fans and family will be eagerly awaiting the announcement.
Key points
- Temwa Chawinga nominated for 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or
- Exclusion of WAFCON exploits may affect Chawinga’s chances
- Chawinga’s sister, Tabitha, supports her chances of winning the award
