Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the only African players shortlisted for the coveted award this year. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the United States, and Chawinga, who starred for Kansas City Current, were standout performers throughout the award’s reference period from August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025 which includes performances in international tournaments like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Banda, who finished 12th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or —the highest-ever placement by an African female footballer—scored 18 goals for Orlando Pride last season. She also netted three goals at WAFCON last month, where she made her tournament debut and helped Zambia reach the quarterfinals.

Chawinga, on the other hand, had an outstanding season with Kansas City Current, scoring 24 goals to win the NWSL Golden Boot.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s head coach Justin Madugu has been nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year, while Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned a nomination for the Yachine Trophy, which recognizes the best goalkeeper in women’s football globally.

Madugu led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, while Nnadozie was a standout performer in the tournament, conceding only two goals from open play throughout the competition.

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