Temwa Chawinga Bio
Temwa Chawinga (born September 20, 1998) is a Malawian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Malawi national team. Chawinga has made a significant impact in her career, winning several individual awards including the NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player in her early seasons. Notably, she became the first player in NWSL history to score 20 goals in a single season and has set various records during her playing career, contributing to the success of her teams.
Early Life and Background
Temwa Chawinga was born on September 20, 1998, in Rumphi district, Northern Region, Malawi. She is the youngest of five children and is of Tumbuka ethnicity. Her name, Temwa, means “love” in the Tumbuka language. Chawinga’s older sister, Tabitha Chawinga, is also a professional footballer, which likely influenced Temwa’s early interest in the sport. Growing up in a family with a strong sporting background, Temwa was exposed to football from a young age, which helped shape her aspirations to become a professional player.
Path to Soccer
Temwa Chawinga began her professional career in 2017 when she signed with Blantyre Zero, a club in Malawi. Her time there was brief, as she quickly moved to Sweden to join Kvarnsveden. During her tenure at Kvarnsveden from 2017 to 2019, she honed her skills and gained valuable experience in a competitive environment. This period was crucial in her development as a player and set the foundation for her future success in international leagues.
Temwa Chawinga Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
After her initial stint with Blantyre Zero, Temwa Chawinga made a significant move to Kvarnsveden in Sweden, where she played from 2017 to 2019. This transition marked her entry into European football, allowing her to compete at a higher level. Following her time in Sweden, she signed with Wuhan Jianghan in January 2020, where she continued to develop her game and make a name for herself on the international stage.
Breakthrough (2020-2023)
Chawinga’s breakthrough came during her time at Wuhan Jianghan, where she quickly established herself as a key player. In her debut season with the club, she scored 9 goals, helping Wuhan secure the league title. Over the next few years, she continued to excel, leading the league in scoring and contributing to her team’s success. In 2023, she achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a total of 51 goals across all competitions, making her the world’s top goal scorer for the year.
Notable Works and Milestones
Temwa Chawinga’s signature work includes her record-setting performance in the NWSL, where she became the first player to score 20 goals in a single season. Her achievements have earned her multiple awards, including the NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player honors.
Temwa Chawinga Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Temwa Chawinga has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances on the field. Her contributions to her teams and individual accolades have solidified her reputation as one of the top players in women’s soccer.
Temwa Chawinga Awards Won
Temwa Chawinga has won several prestigious awards, including the NWSL Golden Boot and NWSL Most Valuable Player. Her remarkable achievements reflect her talent and dedication to the sport.
Temwa Chawinga Family
Temwa Chawinga is the youngest of five siblings, and her family has a strong connection to football. Her older sister, Tabitha Chawinga, is also a professional footballer, which has contributed to Temwa’s passion for the game.
Personal Life
Temwa Chawinga maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on her career in soccer. Her relationship with her sister, Tabitha, is a significant aspect of her life, as they both share the experience of being professional athletes in the competitive world of soccer.
