For the first time in its history, the National Women’s Soccer League has celebrated back-to-back MVP awards. Temwa Chawinga, a forward for Kansas City, received the 2025 NWSL MVP title on Wednesday after a comprehensive voting process that included players, coaches, executives, media, and fans. She is now the second player ever to claim the NWSL MVP award twice.
The Malawian standout faced competition from four other nominees, including her teammate Bea Zanerat. Notably, Sam Kerr remains the only player to have won two MVP awards in different seasons, in addition to her Golden Boot and Best Eleven accolades. Over the course of the regular season, Chawinga made her mark in 23 games, topping the league with 15 goals, including six that secured wins, matching her own record from the previous year.
During the awards night, Chawinga also took home three individual honors: MVP, the 2025 Golden Boot, and a position in the NWSL’s Best Eleven. The ceremony, held at the San Jose Civic Center during the NWSL Championship Week, marked a significant milestone as it was the first formal awards event in the league’s 13-year existence.
After accepting her awards, Chawinga told reporters that her favorite goal of the year was a header—her first in the NWSL—and expressed that the introduction of a special event made this year’s championship feel unique. “We didn’t have events like this before. Last season, I was just figuring out what the league was like. I’m truly thankful to have received this recognition from both players and coaches,” she said.
The official NWSL award winners include the following, with the winners highlighted in bold:
MVP
- Delfin Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC)
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
- Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
- Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
- Bea Zanerat (Kansas City Current)
Defender of the Year
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC)
- Tara McCune (Washington Spirit)
- Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)
- Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
- Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Lorena (Kansas City Current)
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
- Ann Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
Midfielder of the Year
- Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave)
- Debinya (Kansas City Current)
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
- Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)
Rookie of the Year
- Maddie Darian (Seattle Reign FC)
- Lily Real (Gotham FC)
- Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
Coach of the Year
- Vlatko Andonovsky (Kansas City Current)
- Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)
- Beverly Yanez (Racing Louisville)
Best Eleven
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
Defenders: Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current), Tara McCune (Washington Spirit), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
Forwards: Manaka Matsukubo (NC Courage), Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
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This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the growing talent and competitive spirit in the NWSL. The recognition of players like Chawinga not only elevates women’s soccer but also builds excitement for the future of the league and its athletes.
