Malawi star Chawinga named Italian Women's Player of Year

Malawi striker Tabitha Chawinga capped a prolific year by claiming the prestigious Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) Women's Player of the Year prize on Monday night.

The 27-year-old, who is currently on loan with French club Paris St Germain, was rewarded for her performances while playing for Inter Milan in the 2022/23 league season.

The former Inter Milan loanee netted an eye-catching 23 goals in 2022/23 to propel her side towards the title while earning the division's Golden Boot.  

Chawinga's award came during a ceremony where Nigerian Victor Osimhen collected the men's honours after firing Napoli to glory with 26 strikes. 

By scooping this accolade voted for by peers, the 27-year-old Malawian further underlined her lethal attacking credentials across a stunning individual season.

She was also named among the best XI players of the league. 

Chawinga left Inter Milan at the end of last season on a season-long loan to French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain.

After conquering the Italian, the nomadic striker enjoyed boneless form adapting swiftly to French football.

Her clinical finishing mirrored fellow African Osimhen's exploits and now just like him, Chawinga boasts the striker's ultimate recognition from Italy's top tier with this prestigious prize.  

Chawinga's football career commenced at her local club, DD Sunshine, in the heart Malawi.

Her international club career began in 2014 when the forward made a bold move to Sweden, starting at the third-tier Krokom/Dvärsätts IF for a year before ascending by joining Kvarnsvedens IK.

Chawinga left an indelible mark on the 2015–2016 season, concluding it as the league's top scorer with an impressive tally of 43 goals, simultaneously propelling her team to the upper echelons of Swedish women's football.

In 2018, she embarked on a new chapter, joining the ranks of Chinese side Jiangsu LFC.

Her stellar performances garnered consecutive Chinese Women's Super League Player of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019.

The year 2021 witnessed Chawinga's move to Wuhan Jianghan University before a loan spell with the prestigious Italian club Inter Milan.

Her impactful presence was felt as she wrapped up the season as Serie A Femminile's leading scorer with an outstanding 23 goals before another loan spell with PSG.