Temwa Chawinga makes Ballon d’Or history as first African woman in top 10

Temwa Chawinga has become the first African player to finish in the top 10 of the women’s Ballon d’Or, after being placed 10th in the 2026 award.

The Malawi forward’s achievement was confirmed in London on Monday, with Spain’s Alexia Putellas winning the prestigious prize. Since the women’s Ballon d’Or was introduced in 2018, several African players had been nominated, but none had previously broken into the leading 10.

Chawinga’s result also sets a new continental record. The previous best finish belonged to Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who came 12th in 2024. Banda remains in the official 2026 Ballon d’Or standings, but has dropped to 18th this time.

The 28-year-old has made significant progress since her first nomination last year, when she finished 17th. Her seven-place rise means she is now the first African woman to be ranked among the 10 best players in the world.

Her recognition follows another outstanding campaign with Kansas City Current. Chawinga scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 22 matches during the period under consideration, establishing herself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the American league.

She had already been named both the NWSL’s best player and leading goalscorer in 2024 and 2025. Her continued performances have now brought her into the highest level of individual recognition in the women’s game.

Chawinga’s achievement is particularly significant because of the country she represents. Malawi is not traditionally regarded as one of the major powers in African women’s football, and its national team had long remained outside the continent’s biggest international stages.

That has started to change. Alongside her sister Tabitha, Chawinga helped transform the Scorchers into surprise finalists at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Her own career has followed a similar upward path. After playing in Sweden and winning four titles in China, she moved to the United States, where the greater exposure helped bring her ability to a worldwide audience.

Africa is still waiting for its first Ballon d’Or winner, but Chawinga’s finish represents a major breakthrough. Following Banda’s previous landmark placing, the Malawi forward has taken the continent into the top 10 for the first time.

The result underlines how African players can compete with the world’s elite when they have access to a strong competitive environment and sufficient visibility. Chawinga’s next targets are clear: breaking into the top five and then challenging for a place on the podium.