Frank Mojah Dzuwa

Malawi international Temwa Chawinga finished 10th in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings, up seven places from last year.

The Kansas City Current forward is the highest-ranked African player in the women’s category, finishing ahead of Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who placed 18th after ranking 14th in 2025.

Chawinga’s achievement marks another milestone for Malawian football as she continues to raise the country’s profile on the global stage.

Last year, Banda finished ahead of Chawinga. The latest rankings have reversed their positions, with the Malawian climbing seven places and the Zambian dropping four.

Chawinga ahead of Africa’s men

Chawinga’s 10th-place finish also puts her ahead of every African player in the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi was the highest-ranked African man, finishing 13th—three places behind Chawinga.

The rankings underline Chawinga’s place among the world’s leading footballers and give Malawians another reason to celebrate one of their biggest sporting stars.

2026 Ballon d’Or: Major award winners

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in London on Monday, 26 October 2026. England captain Harry Kane and Spain international Alexia Putellas won the men’s and women’s top awards, respectively.

Men’s awards
– Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane — Bayern Munich and England
– Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal — Barcelona and Spain
– Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón — Athletic Club and Spain
– Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente — Spain
– Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
– Striker of the Year: Harry Kane

Women’s awards
– Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas — Barcelona/London City Lionesses and Spain
– Young Talent of the Year: Vicky López — Barcelona and Spain
– Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll — Barcelona and Spain
– Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu — Barcelona
– Club of the Year: Barcelona
– Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral — Pachuca and Mexico

England international Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.