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Tabitha Chawinga: A Trailblazer for Women’s Football in Africa
In the world of women’s football, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Tabitha Chawinga, a rising star representing Olympique Lyonnais. Should Lyon triumph in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Chawinga will make history as the first Malawian to hoist the prestigious trophy, a milestone she hopes will ignite aspirations among girls across Africa.
At 28 years old, Chawinga forms a critical part of Lyon’s formidable attacking trio, joining forces with Kadidiatou Diani and Melchie Dumornay. Their collective prowess has been remarkable this season, leading to the exclusion of renowned players like Ada Hegerberg and Éugenie Le Sommer from the starting lineup. This impressive depth showcases the strength of Lyon’s squad as they compete at the highest levels of European football.
Chawinga recently played a pivotal role in Lyon’s semifinal victory against Arsenal, where her performance highlighted her determination and gratitude. “First of all, I would like to thank God for everything. I think today, the best team won,” she stated, acknowledging Arsenal’s quality while emphasizing the need to remain focused for the upcoming return leg.
During the match, Chawinga was substituted shortly after Arsenal equalized, but her influence was felt as Lyon regained the lead just minutes later. Reflecting on this moment, she noted the team’s resilience, stating, “In my mind – and I think this was for everyone – we were focused to come back and to score another goal.” This mentality underscores the competitive spirit driving Lyon’s success this season.
On the pitch, Chawinga stands out not only for her scoring potential but also her sheer speed, clocking in at 31.3 km/hour, making her the swiftest player in the Champions League this season. While she has netted nine goals, her ability to stretch defenses has created numerous opportunities for her teammates, culminating in an impressive total of over 100 goals for Lyon this season.
Her journey to professional football has not been without its challenges. After signing a three-year contract with Lyon last summer, she opened up about her struggles. “My parents didn’t allow me to play football but I forced myself. I am here not only for Tabitha but for the country of Malawi.” Chawinga’s determination is a testament to her perseverance and love for the sport.
Chawinga’s experiences have not always been easy. In an interview with The Guardian, she recounted a traumatic incident from her youth where, at the age of 13, she was forced to strip publicly to prove her gender during a football match. “I had never been so devastated. I cried at the embarrassment that I had been exposed to,” she recalled, highlighting the barriers faced by women in sports within her home country.
Inspired by Brazilian football legend Marta, Chawinga left Malawi at 18 to pursue her dreams in Sweden. Her journey has taken her to various clubs, including Wuhan Jiangda and Internazionale, where she became the first African woman to finish as the top scorer in the Italian league. More recently, during her loan at Paris Saint-Germain, she reached another milestone by becoming the first Malawian player to compete and score in the Champions League.
“I’m the first Malawian to play in the UEFA Champions League and also to score in the Champions League,” she expressed proudly. Her achievements have garnered pride not only in Malawi but across the African continent, inspiring hope for a stronger future in women’s football.
Chawinga’s aspirations extend beyond her individual success. As the captain of the national team, she envisions a brighter future for women’s football in Malawi. She dreams of fostering more young talent to gain international experience, which is crucial for improving the country’s standing on the global stage.
Her younger sister, Temwa Chawinga, is another beacon of hope in women’s football. Currently playing for Kansas City Current in the NWSL, Temwa has already made a mark by winning the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer and being voted MVP. In 2023, she was recognized as the leading female goalscorer worldwide with an astounding 63 goals across all competitions.
As progress continues in women’s football, it is noteworthy that prior to Naomi Girma’s transfer in January 2024, two of the three highest transfers in female football history involved African players—Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, both of whom commanded substantial fees in the NWSL.
Chawinga sees her accomplishments and those of her peers as a source of inspiration for girls in Africa, where societal attitudes often inhibit opportunities for female athletes. “If they look at me, Asisat, my sister Temwa, and Banda, I think they will believe they can do it. Africa is very strong. If we come together to talk to the young girls, I think they will do better than we have done,” she stated, embodying the hope that more women can rise to prominence in sports.
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