Lyon and Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga says her mission is “to win and nothing more” as she targets UEFA Women’s Champions League glory with the French giants.
The 28-year-old striker has been pivotal in Lyon’s pursuit of a record-extending ninth European title, helping them to a 2-1 first-leg semi-final victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday.
With the French league title already secured, Chawinga now has her eyes set on delivering the Champions League crown — not only for herself and the club, but also to inspire young girls across Africa.
Chawinga, the first Malawian to play and score in the Champions League and to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, believes her achievements are breaking barriers for others on the continent.
“I am the first Malawian to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and also to score in the competition. People in Malawi are proud of me, not only in my country but Africa as a whole,” she told Flashscore.
She added: “Looking at our background in Africa, I (want to) do this for the young kids… they would have the belief that they can do it.”
Following standout spells in Sweden, China, Italy — where she won the Serie A Golden Boot — and a strong season at PSG, Chawinga joined Lyon in July 2024.
With key goals in both legs of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich, she has proven her worth at the top level.
On the win over Arsenal, Chawinga said: “I think both teams were prepared to win… but of course it is not over yet. We still have the return leg to play in France.”
“When they (Arsenal) equalised… we were focused and eager to regain our lead by scoring another goal. Thankfully we scored another goal and that makes us happy as a team.”
The return leg will be played on April 27 in France.
