Malawi’s own Temwa Chawinga, the prolific forward for the Kansas City Current and the Scorchers, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin. The France Football Association announced the 30-player shortlist on Thursday, recognizing the world’s best female players.
The Ballon d’Or, first awarded to men in 1956 and to women since 2018, is considered one of football’s most prestigious individual prizes. This year’s nominations highlight the growing global talent in women’s football.
England leads the nominations with eight players, reflecting the strength of the Women’s Super League. The list includes four players from Arsenal and four from Chelsea.
Africa is well-represented with two standout players: Temwa Chawinga and Zambia’s Barbra Banda. Temwa earned her nomination after a sensational season with the Kansas City Current, where she scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in 28 matches, helping her team win the US and Mexico Summer Championships Cup. Banda also made the list after a stellar campaign with the Orlando Pride, tallying 17 goals and 4 assists.
FC Barcelona continues its dominance in European football with five nominees, including reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who is a strong contender to defend her title.
Chawinga’s nomination comes on the back of an incredible run of form. In 2024, she was named the NWSL MVP and won the Golden Boot for most goals scored. She was the first player in NWSL history to score 20 goals in a single season, score in eight consecutive matches, and score against all 13 active teams. She has continued her impressive performance in 2025, with nine goals in 14 games, helping the Current top the NWSL table.
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