Tabitha Chawinga achieves fresh French Ligue 1 Féminin milestone

Fresh from winning the Coupe de France, Olympique Lyonnes Feminin’s Malawian icon Tabitha Chawinga has earned yet another milestone in French Ligue 1 Féminin.

The OL Lyon forward was Monday named in France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Feminin Team of the Year 2025-2026.

The 29-year-old is in the best XI alongside teammates Lily Yohannes, Melchie Dumornay and Wendie Renard.

Why the Malawian Tabitha Chawinga keeps making history in French Ligue 1

In the UNFP team of the season pic.twitter.com/rlQ4XIWCDu

— Tabitha Chawinga (@tabitha_tc11) May 12, 2026

This is yet another achievement for Tabitha Chawinga who is celebrating lifting the Coupe de France following her team’s 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Feminine on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

The Scorchers skipper has been recognised after registering 11 goals in 16 French Ligue 1 Féminin appearances in this campaign, seven goals shy of the Golden Boot Award winner Romée Leuchter of Paris FC.

In April 2026, the former PSG striker earned nomination for UNFP Best Women Footballer of the Year Award alongside teammate Dumornay, PSG left-back-cum midfielder Sakina Karchaoui, Leuchter and Clara Mateo, both Paris FC forwards.

UNFP Best Women’s Footballer of Year nomination

She claimed a similar UNFP accolade in 2024 while on the books of PSG after scoring 18 league goals and 10 assists.

The Scorchers forward became the first Malawian women’s footballer to sign for a European side when she joined Swedish club Krokom-Varsatts in 2013. She opened the door for her younger sister, Temwa Chawinga, before many others followed suit.

What next for OL Lyonnes?

OL Lyonnes will now turn attention to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against Barcelona women’s team. The French league champions eliminated their Arsenal counterparts in the semifinal to reach the final.

Tabitha Chawinga missed both semifinal legs as she is struggling with a right thigh injury.