Tenth in the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, Temwa Chawinga becomes the first African to break into the top 10 of the prestigious ranking. African women's football had yet to cross this symbolic threshold.
Since the creation of the Women's Ballon d'Or in 2018, several players from the continent had made the list of nominees, but none had managed to reach the top 10. Chawinga shatters this glass ceiling.
The 27-year-old Malawian forward had an exceptional season with her club, OL Reign, in the United States. She also shone with her national team.
This historic ranking paves the way for a new generation of African players. The continent can now dream of a podium in the years to come.
