France-based Malawian female football icon Tabitha Chawinga has emerged as the only African nominee for the annual Globe Soccer Awards’ Best Women’s Player.
The forward for Olympique Lyonnais in France is among 20 top female footballers nominated for the 15th edition of the awards scheduled for December 27 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The nominees also include Democratic Republic of Congo-born Grace Geyoro, who is a French national.
The big-name players on the list include 2024 Ballon d ‘Or winner Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain, her World Cup winning compatriots Salma Parallueloa and Alexia Putellas, Barcelona’s Norwegian star Caroline Graham Hansen, Chelsea and England striker Laureen James.
In an interview on Sunday, Tabitha said she was excited to be nominated for the first time.
“Being the only African female footballer makes it even more exciting, the feeling is great. In everything, I praise the Lord Almighty,” she said.
The male category has two Africans in Egypt and Liverpool marksman Mohammad Salah and Nigeria’s Italy-based winger Ademola Lookman who plays for Serie A outfit Atalanta
Other notable players on the list are 2024 men’s Ballon d ‘Or winner Rodri of Manchester City, his teammates Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Real Madrid’s French forward Kyllian Mbappe, Chelsea and England striker Cole Palmer, England captain Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr, England and Real Madrid attacker Jude Bellingham and his Arsenal compatriot Bukayo Saka.
Veteran Spanish and Portuguese superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also appear on the list.
According to globesoccer.com, last year’s edition attracted a record-breaking 70 million votes from more than 225 countries and territories, reaffirming its global reach and impact.
It says fans have until December 10 to vote for their favourites online at vote.globesoccer.com, with the final winners determined by a combination of fan votes and the Globe Soccer Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas and Luis Figo.
