First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has expressed her pride in Temwa Chawinga's remarkable achievement of finishing in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or, a feat she described as a significant milestone for Malawi. In a heartfelt statement shared on her official Facebook page, Mutharika emphasized that Chawinga's accomplishment is not just a personal victory but a national win that elevates the profile of Malawian women in sports.

Chawinga, who plays as a forward for the Malawi national women's football team, the Scorchers, secured the 10th position at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony held on Monday at the London Palladium. This achievement marks her as the first female African footballer to reach such heights in the prestigious awards, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. The ceremony saw Spain’s Alexia Putellas taking home the top honor as the winner of the Ballon d'Or.S2

The First Lady's commendation reflects a growing recognition of women's contributions to football in Africa, particularly in Malawi, where female athletes are increasingly gaining visibility on international platforms. Mutharika's statement serves as an encouragement for young girls in Malawi to pursue their dreams in sports, underscoring the importance of representation and success in breaking barriers for future generations.S1S2