Some influential media outlets say while US-based Malawian forward Temwa Chawinga could be one of the favourites to win the 2026 Women’s Ballon d ‘Or, the exclusion of her 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) exploits could affect her chances.
Temwa is one of the only two Africans nominated for the prestigious award from a list of 30 whose winner will be announced on October 30. The other African nominated for the award is Zambian Barbara Banda, who also plays club footbll in the US.
The evaluation timeframe for the 2026 Ballon d’Or covers the entire 2025/26 European season, running from August
3 2025 to July 19 2026 which was before the 2026 Wafcon was held in Morocco where Temwa won the Golden Boot and guided the Scorchers to the final in their maiden appearance.
Temwa. | Courtesy of FAM
Part of an article by olympics.com, reads: “Since moving to the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League], there are few strikers in the world that have quite propelled the way in which Temwa Chawinga has. Even before joining Kansas City [KC] Current, she was scoring goals for fun.
“Since her switch to the States, however, she has found a new level. Last season was just the latest chapter in her thrilling career, winning her first title with KC Current.
“The Ballon d’Or judging period is slightly awkward for those in the NWSL with the window falling at the back end of last season and the front end of the current campaign.
“For a player like Temwa, however, it is all the same, her job is to score goals and that is what she does whenever called upon. Between the August to July timeframe, she still bagged 16 goals and three assists over 22 games.
“It is slightly unfortunate that the [Ballon d ‘Or] cut-off point falls just before the 2026
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that, had it been under consideration for this award, would have significantly increased Temwa’s chances of winning.”
Nevertheless, the publication says her second consecutive NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards in 2025 will play a role in how she will be judged for the year in question.
On the other hand, ESPN still tips Temwa as one of the the contenders for the global award.
In its article, ESPN says Temwa’s achievements at club level put her among the hot contenders.
“Temwa Chawinga has a strong outer chance at the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or following her consecutive NWSL success though strong European competition keeps
her as an outsider rather than the outright favourite,” reads the article.
The 28-year-old could not be reached for comment yesterday, but her France-based sister and Scorchers captain Tabitha recently backed her to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
“I believe in my sister, she is my superstar,” Tabitha told ESPN. “She’s one of the best players in the world.
“I believe she will win the best player in Africa as well and, maybe, the Ballon d’Or as well. She’s a superstar, as you can see. The talent she has and the hard work . Absolutely, I give her my respect.
“When I was young, I didn’t have the chance [to win the Ballon d’Or], but I wish my sister to win it. I believe in my sister.”
