Temwa Chawinga Makes History as First African Woman in Ballon d’Or Top 10
A landmark achievement for Malawi, African women’s football and the next generation of female footballers.
alawi’s Superstar Breaks New Ground at the Ballon d’Or
A landmark achievement for Malawi, African women’s football and the next generation of female footballers.
Malawi’s football pride has reached another historic milestone. Temwa Chawinga has finished 10th in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings, becoming the first African woman to finish in the award’s top 10.
The achievement, announced at the awards ceremony on 26 October 2026, places the Malawian international among the world’s leading female footballers and represents a breakthrough for African representation on football’s biggest individual awards stage.
For Malawi, this is more than an individual honour. It is a moment of national pride and a powerful reminder that talent from Africa can compete with the very best in the world.
From Rumphi, Malawi, to the World Stage
Born in Rumphi, Malawi, Temwa Chawinga has built an impressive career through determination, hard work and an exceptional eye for goal.
Now playing for Kansas City Current in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Temwa has established herself as one of the most prolific forwards in women’s football.
Her achievements include winning consecutive NWSL Most Valuable Player awards and Golden Boot titles in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, she scored 20 regular-season goals, setting a new NWSL single-season record at the time. She followed that with another Golden Boot-winning campaign in 2025.
Before her move to the United States, Temwa enjoyed an outstanding spell with Wuhan Jianghan University in China, where she scored 84 goals in 84 appearances between 2020 and 2023.
These accomplishments demonstrate the consistency, ambition and quality that have helped her earn recognition among the world’s elite players.
A Historic Top-10 Finish
The Women’s Ballon d’Or recognises outstanding individual performances, team achievements and a player’s influence on the game.
Finishing 10th in the 2026 rankings is a remarkable achievement for Temwa and an important milestone for African women’s football.
Her recognition sends a powerful message to aspiring footballers across Malawi and the continent: international success is possible, regardless of where your journey begins.
It also helps bring greater visibility to Malawi, a country whose football talent deserves recognition and opportunities at the highest level.
Inspiring Malawi’s Next Generation
Temwa’s success is particularly meaningful for young girls who dream of becoming professional footballers.
Her journey shows that commitment, resilience and belief can open doors to international opportunities. It also highlights the importance of investing in women’s football, developing local talent and creating pathways for players to progress beyond their home countries.
Alongside her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa has become one of Malawi’s most recognisable football ambassadors, inspiring a new generation to believe in the possibilities of the game.
Their achievements demonstrate how Malawian players can contribute to the growth and global recognition of women’s football.
JCC Football Agency Celebrates Temwa Chawinga
At JCC Football Agency, we celebrate achievements that inspire players, communities and the wider football family.
As a UK-based, FIFA-certified football agency with a global reach, we believe in building strong football partnerships, supporting player development and helping talented athletes pursue opportunities across the world.
Temwa Chawinga’s historic Ballon d’Or finish is an outstanding moment for Malawi and African women’s football. Her journey is a reminder that ambition, perseverance and world-class performances can earn recognition on the global stage.
We congratulate Temwa on this extraordinary milestone and look forward to seeing her continue to inspire future generations.
From Malawi to the world — Temwa Chawinga is making history.
JCC Football Agency
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At JCC Football Agency, we believe that women’s football is not just part of the future—it is the future. As a FIFA-certified UK-based agency with global reach, we represent and support female players ready to step into this new era.
