Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga has become the first footballer from the southern African nation to break into the Women’s Ballon d’Or elite group after being ranked 10th in the 2026 final standings.
The Kansas City Current striker on Monday climbed seven places from 17th position in 2025, capping a remarkable year in which she collected major individual and team honours in the United States while leading Malawi’s national team to unprecedented success.
Chawinga’s ranking places her among the elite group of women’s footballers recognised by the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious annual award presented by France Football magazine to honour the world’s best performers in the women’s game.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as football’s highest individual recognition, awarded to a player who has excelled at club and international level over the previous season.
The ranking is typically dominated by stars from Europe’s top leagues and major football nations, making Chawinga’s achievement particularly significant for Malawi and African football.
The 28-year-old enjoyed another stellar campaign with National Women’s Soccer League side Kansas City Current, helping the club win the NWSL Shield while retaining both the league’s Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards for a second consecutive season.
On the international stage, Chawinga played a pivotal role in transforming the fortunes of the Malawi women’s national team, the Scorchers.
She spearheaded the side’s run to its first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and helped secure qualification for Malawi’s maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
JN/APA