Few could have predicted Temwa Chawinga's impact when she signed with Kansas City Current ahead of the 2024 NWSL season. Fast forward, and the Malawian forward has broken all records with 20 goals in the regular season, going on to cement a place as one of the most dominant players the NWSL has ever seen. Named MVP of 2024, Chawinga was the first player in Current's franchise history to take the honor-a first that was more than the demonstration of her talent but one of determination to change what could be considered possible. Offensive Dominance and Record-Breaking Numbers
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Temwa Chawinga's first NWSL season is nothing short of spectacular. She broke Sam Kerr's 2019 goal-scoring record and became the first player in league history to score against every team in a single season. In the regular season alone, Chawinga notched 20 goals and six assists, combining for a total of 26 direct goal contributions-setting a new benchmark of excellence for the NWSL.
That fact that she was able to score in an unbeaten streak of eight straight games between June and September showed that she could find her way to the back of the net, no matter the circumstance. Whether battling through torrential rain against the North Carolina Courage or scoring the game-winner against the Utah Royals, Chawinga stopped at nothing. Consistency up-front that allowed Kansas City Current to rise to the top echelons of the league also gave the team confidence to compete at the highest level.
Chawinga's Impact at Kansas City Current
Since her arrival at the club, Chawinga brought vibrancy and leadership to inspire the entire team. She's not only an exceptional player on the field, said head coach Vlatko Andonovski, but an incredible teammate—ingredients that make a championship-winning squad.
Her presence was evident in those critical junctures throughout the season. In the pulsating 5-4 victory over Portland Thorns during the debut of CPKC Stadium, she set the way and signified what was to come. Then, in the Summer Cup final against Gotham FC, Chawinga kept both goals to seal it for the Current, showing once again that she rises to the big moments.
What then makes Chawinga's achievements even more brilliant is that she achieved all this in her maiden season competing in a highly challenging league against some of the world's top defenders. This is the kind of performance that not only reshapes the perception of a player but also elevates her club's stature on the global stage of women's soccer.
A Well-Deserved Award in Tough Competition
Chawinga faced stiff competition in the names of some of the league's biggest stars, such as Marta and Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda, Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit, and Portland Thorns' Sophia Smith. However, the record-breaking performances by Chawinga had been outstanding among the staunch field of finalists. There was just no doubt about it-the year 2024 belonged to Temwa Chawinga.