Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga nominated for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or

The two African strikers put in impressive performances during the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Africa is represented in France Football’s Player of the Year award. Barbra Banda of Zambia and Temwa Chawinga of Malawi are in the running alongside 28 other players for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Despite the Copper Queens’ early exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Barbra Banda made a lasting impression with her attacking prowess. The Copper Queens’ captain scored five goals in three matches, including a historic four-goal haul against Egypt.

Her nomination for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or is therefore well deserved. This is the third time Barbra Banda has been nominated for the prestigious award. She was nominated in 2024 and finished in 12th place. In 2025, Banda came 14th in the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

For her part, this is Temwa Chawinga’s first nomination. The Malawian striker caused a sensation at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She played a huge part in Malawi’s impressive run, as they reached the final on their debut appearance in the tournament’s history.

With five goals scored throughout the tournament, Temwa Chawinga was crowned top scorer, winning the Golden Boot. It is therefore only natural that she features on the list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or.