Temwa Chawinga nominated for BBC award

Malawi's First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has urged all Malawians to vote for national team striker Temwa Chawinga in the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Award 2026. Chawinga is one of five finalists and the only African player nominated for the prestigious award. Voting is open until November 18.

Mutharika stated that Chawinga's nomination is a national record and makes the entire continent proud. She called for unity in casting votes to bring the award home. Chawinga also recently finished in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or award.

Temwa Chawinga is also a finalist for the US-based Women's National Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player award, where she is seeking a third consecutive win. Voting for the BBC award closes on November 18, with the winner announced on December 13.

Why it mattersMalawians are directly affected by the opportunity to support their national sports hero in an international competition.

Sources