US-based Scorchers forward Temwa Chawinga has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Award thanks to her impressive form at Kansas City Current in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League.
The organisers of the Ballon d’Or yesterday released the 30-player shortlist for both the men’s and women’s categories.
Temwa’s nomination comes a year after her sister, Tabitha, who plays in France, last year made history as the first Malawian to make the list.
She is also one of just two African players named on this year’s women’s list, alongside Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the US as well.
Temwa will compete against world’s top stars, including 2024 winner Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, Lucy Bronze, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson and Esther González, among others.
The final winners will be revealed during the awards ceremony on September 22 in Paris, France.
In the men’s category, leading contenders include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr and Harry Kane, who all enjoyed remarkable seasons for club and country.
Also on the list are experienced players such as Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski and Virgil van Dijk, along with rising stars such as Lamine Yamal, João Neves and Cole Palmer.
The Ballon d’Or remains the most prestigious individual award in football, honouring players who demonstrate exceptional skill, consistency, and global impact.
Football Association of Malawi competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka in an interview described Temwa’s nomination as a proud moment for the country.
He said: “It’s huge following Tabitha’s nomination last year. Very encouraging to have another Malawian to be recognised.”
In 2024, Tabitha finished 16th out of 30 nominees.
