Ballon d’Or nominee Temwa Chawinga keeps Kansas City Current top

Malawi’s 2025 Ballon d’Or sole nominee Temwa Chawinga kept Kansas City Current on top of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in America on Saturday evening.

The Scorchers forward scored once for the NWSL leaders as they eased to a 2-0 win over hosts Portland Thorns to make it six consecutive league wins on the road.

It was yet another performance of sheer brilliance for the striker who recently earned the 2025 Ballon d’Or nomination for the best women footballer category.

Current defender Ellie Wheeler had put the visitors ahead with a headed goal some 55 seconds into the NWSL game to set the tone for the victory.

In the second half, scorer turned provider when Wheeler picked Chawinga with a long ball into the channels. The Malawian timed her run to perfection, outpaced her markers before slotting the ball into the net.

The 71st minute goal for Chawinga not only kept her Golden Boot Award chase alive but also ensured a 10th unbeaten streak for the table-topping Current.

The Ballon d’Or nominee leads the scorers’ chart with 11 goals with her two assists breaking the tie.

Chawinga is now the first player in NWSL history to score in six straight regular season road matches.