FIFA Women’s Awards: Temwa Chawinga ‘only’ African nominee

Malawian forward Temwa Chawinga has earned the distinction of being the only African nominated in her category for the 2025 FIFA Awards.

The world football governing body released the names of players shortlisted for the accolades, with Temwa being the only African in the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award category.

The Kansas City Current star will compete for the award alongside Frenchwomen Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Olympique Lyonnais’ Kadidiatou Diani, Spanish legion of Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Clàudia Pina, Alexia Putellas (all Barcelona).

The Scorchers player has just retained the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)’s Golden Boot Award in America. She finished the season with 15 goals and three assists in 23 games, shrugging off competition from Gotham FC’s Esther González by two goals and two assists.

The other nominees are Chelsea’s Swedish footballer Nathalie Björn, her English team mate Lucy Bronze, Melchie Dumorna (Haiti and Olympique Lyonnais), Lindsey Heaps (USA and Olympique Lyonnais), Lauren James (England and Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (England and Manchester City/Arsenal), Ewa Pajor (Poland and Barcelona), Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, both from England.

Who Else From Africa Has Been Nominated Besides Temwa Chawinga

The other categories are for the best women’s football coach and goalkeeper, whose nominees include the only African, Nnadozie, who stars for Nigeria, Brighton & Hove Albion.

FIFA’s statement says a panel of experts on women’s football, representing various FIFA and external football stakeholders, compiled a shortlist of 11 female players for the Best FIFA Women’s Player.