Malawi's Temwa Chawinga Makes NWSL History with Back-to-Back MVP Awards

Photo credit: X/@@thekccurrent

US-based Malawian women’s footballer Temwa Chawinga made history on Wednesday night when the Kansas City Current forward became the first player ever to win consecutive National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player awards.

The Scorchers’ vice-captain scored 15 goals in 23 games this season. Last year, she was also the league’s top scorer, producing a record 20 goals in 25 games.

Temwa now joins Sam Kerr (2017, 2019) as the only two-time MVP winners in the league’s history since its inception in 2013.

She beat four other MVP nominees: Kansas City forward Bia Zaneratto, North Carolina Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, Gotham FC forward Esther Gonzalez, and San Diego Wave forward Delphine Cascarino.

During the San Jose ceremony, Temwa also picked up the Golden Boot award and was named to the NWSL Best XI as a left-wing forward.

Speaking on the night, she expressed gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and fans.

“For the honour given to me tonight, I really thank you. It is a big dream for me to be here and win it twice. Thank you so much to the coaches and players plus the fans for voting for me. As we open another chapter I look forward,” she said.

Her team, the Kansas City Current, also celebrated Lorena, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year after recording an NWSL-best 14 clean sheets.