Tabitha Chawinga is a Malawian professional footballer celebrated for her explosive pace, strength, and prolific goal-scoring ability. Rising from humble beginnings in Malawi, she has become one of the most accomplished African footballers, breaking records across Sweden, China, Italy, and now France, while inspiring a new generation of players across Africa.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 22, 1996, in Malawi, Chawinga showed natural talent for football from a young age, often playing with boys and standing out as the best player on the pitch. Despite limited opportunities for girls in Malawi, her determination and skill caught the attention of local scouts, setting her on a path to international stardom.
Club Career
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Krokom/Dvärsätts IF (Sweden, 2014):
Chawinga’s professional journey began in Sweden, where she scored an astonishing 39 goals in just 18 games in her debut season, quickly attracting attention from bigger clubs. -
Kvarnsvedens IK (Sweden, 2015–2017):
She continued her meteoric rise, scoring 43 goals in 26 matches in 2016 and helping her team gain promotion to Sweden’s top league. She became one of the first Malawian women to play professionally in Europe. -
Jiangsu Suning (China, 2018–2020):
Chawinga moved to China, where she won back-to-back Player of the Season awards and multiple Golden Boots, becoming the league’s top scorer three times. -
Wuhan Jianghan University (China, 2021–2022):
She continued her success in China before moving to Europe on loan. -
Inter Milan (Italy, 2022–2023, loan):
Chawinga became the first African woman to win the Serie A Golden Boot, scoring 23 goals in 21 matches. She was named Player of the Season and set a new benchmark for African players in Italy. -
Paris Saint-Germain (France, 2023–2024, loan):
In her debut season in France, Chawinga led the league with 18 goals and 10 assists, winning the D1 Arkema Player of the Season and Forward of the Season awards. Her performances were pivotal in PSG’s campaign and earned her the National Union of Professional Footballers Player of the Year award. -
Olympique Lyonnais (2024–present):
Chawinga joined Lyon, adding firepower to one of Europe’s top clubs and continuing her streak of success in elite women’s football.
International Career
Chawinga has been a mainstay for the Malawi national team, the “Scorchers,” since her teenage years. She is celebrated for her leadership and goal-scoring prowess, inspiring Malawi’s rise on the African football scene.
Playing Style and Strengths
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Position: Striker/Forward
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Key Attributes:
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Exceptional speed and acceleration
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Physical strength and ability to outmuscle defenders
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Clinical finishing and composure in front of goal
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Consistency in scoring across multiple leagues
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Leadership and inspiration for teammates
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Career Stats (as of May 2025)
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Date of Birth: May 22, 1996
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Age: 28
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Nationality: Malawian
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Position: Forward
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Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
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Previous Clubs: Krokom/Dvärsätts IF, Kvarnsvedens IK, Jiangsu Suning, Wuhan Jianghan University, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain
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Notable Achievements:
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Golden Boot winner in Sweden, China, and Italy
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Top scorer and Player of the Season in France (2023/24)
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Over 18 league goals and 10 assists in her debut French season
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Achievements and Honors
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D1 Arkema Player of the Season (France, 2023/24)
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National Union of Professional Footballers Player of the Year (France, 2024)
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Serie A Golden Boot and Player of the Season (Italy, 2022/23)
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Chinese Women’s Super League Player of the Season and Golden Boot (2018, 2019)
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Golden Boot winner in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan and Elitettan
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First African woman to win league top scorer honors in three different countries abroad
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Malawi national team captain and leading scorer
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabitha Chawinga
How old is Tabitha Chawinga?
She is 28 years old, born on May 22, 1996.
What position does Tabitha Chawinga play?
She is a forward, known for her goal-scoring and attacking play.
What are Tabitha Chawinga’s major achievements?
She has won Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards in Sweden, China, Italy, and France, and is the first African woman to top-score in three different foreign leagues.
What makes Tabitha Chawinga stand out?
Her speed, strength, clinical finishing, and ability to adapt and excel in multiple top leagues worldwide.
Conclusion
Tabitha Chawinga’s journey from Malawi to the top of European football is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. As a record-breaking striker for club and country, she continues to inspire young athletes across Africa and the world, proving that dedication and belief can overcome any barrier.
