Barbra Banda and Tabitha Chawinga have both been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d'Or Féminin, marking the first time in history two African Women have been nominated for the prestigious award.

Both Banda and Chawinga are coming off of incredible years at their respective clubs. As two of the most prolific goal scorers in the game right now, there’s no question why these two are up for the award.

Banda signed for Orlando Pride earlier this year, becoming the second most expensive player in women’s football history. In the short time she’s been at the club, she has led them to an undefeated season so far, racking up 12 goals in 14 appearances, and is the first player in NWSL history to score 10 goals in 10 matches.

New Lyon signing Chawinga spent the 2023/24 season on loan at PSG after a spell at Inter Milan the season before. Across those two campaigns, she scored 42 goals in 44 appearances, and on her UWCL debut became the first Malawian to play and score in the competition.

Prior to this year’s nominations, Asisat Oshoala was the first and only African woman to be shortlisted for the award, making history two years ago. The Ballon d'Or Féminin has historically been dominated by European and North American players so for not one, but two African women to be recognised, is a feat in its own right.

As more African players finally gain the recognition they deserve, here’s to more history being made in the future. The continent is bursting at the seams with talent, and they’re all waiting to get their flowers.

‍