First Lady Madame Gertrude Mutharika has hailed Scorchers forward Temwa Chawinga for making history as the first African woman to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or.

Chawinga, 28, finished 10th at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held on Monday at the London Palladium in London, where Spain’s Alexia Putellas was crowned winner.

In a congratulatory statement issued on Tuesday, the First Lady described the achievement as more than a personal milestone.

“Warm congratulations to Temwa Chawinga on becoming the first female African footballer to finish in the top 10 for the Ballon d’Or award. This is not just Temwa’s achievement, but a national milestone we should all celebrate,” Mutharika said.

She said Chawinga’s consistency over the past four years has put Malawi on the world map.

“For over four consecutive years, Temwa has broken record after record at both the club and national levels, sending a powerful message about Malawian talent,” she said.

Mutharika added that the Kansas City Current striker’s success comes at the right time as Malawi prepares for its maiden appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.

“As we look ahead to next year’s World Cup in Brazil, Temwa’s achievement should energize us all and remind us that we have talent capable of competing at the highest level,” she said.

Mutharika concluded her message with a heartfelt tribute in Chitumbuka: “Congratulations, Temwa! Iwe ndi dolo.”