Olympique Lyonnais signs Tabitha Chawinga in what can be considered as the Arkema Premier League's ... [+]
- Olympique Lyonnais Féminin announced the signing of Tabitha Chawinga, for 3 seasons.
- Chawinga finished the 2023/2024 season as the MVP of the D1 Arkéma with PSG.
- Joe Montemurro's squad is reinforced ahead of the upcoming season.
Having spent the previous season at Paris Saint-Germain, on loan from Wuhan Jianghan University, the Malawian international forward joins Michele Kang’s OL Féminin until June 30, 2027.
Chawinga distinguished herself both domestically and in European competitions. She netted an impressive 19 goals in 21 D1 matches, securing the top scorer position in the D1 Arkéma.
During her stint with PSG, Chawinga also made a significant impact in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, featuring in 12 matches and scoring 6 goals, including one in the semi-final second leg against OL, her new team.
In her debut season in the competition, the Malawian international was named in the 2023/2024 Best XI alongside her future teammates, Christiane Endler, Selma Bacha, Lindsey Horan, and Kadidiatou Diani.
Known for her pace and technical prowess, Tabitha Chawinga is the first Malawian player to compete in Europe. Last May, she added the 2024 Coupe de France to her achievements scoring 4 goals in 5 matches.
She will join the likes of Ada Hegerberg, Eugénie Le Sommer, Kadidiatou Diani, Vicky Becho and others in Lyon's list of forwards.
Her Journey Towards Olympique Lyonnais
Tabitha Chawinga finished the 2023/2024 season as the D1 Arkéma MVP. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
With a distinguished career trajectory, Tabitha Chawinga has consistently been recognized as a top scorer and MVP in various leagues.
She first emerged in 2014 during her inaugural season with Swedish club Krokom Dvärsätts IF, where she scored 39 goals in 18 matches, becoming the league’s leading scorer. She retained this title the following year with 43 goals.
In China, she was named the league’s best player for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) with Jiangsu LFC.
She accomplished a historic quadruple, winning the Chinese Championship, Chinese Cup, Chinese Super Cup, and the Chinese Women’s Super League with her club.
Three years later, after joining Wuhan Jianghan University, Chawinga again lifted the Chinese Women’s Super League trophy, finishing as the top scorer (9 goals).
Loaned to Inter Milan during the 2022-2023 season, she again secured the Serie A top scorer title with 23 goals.
What Did They Say?
Vincent Ponsot:
“We have a high-quality team, and our goal is to consistently add an extra touch of excellence. This season, we achieve that with the arrival of Tabitha Chawinga."
"We are very excited to welcome Tabitha to Lyon. Her arrival aligns with our team's ambitions and the attractive project led by Michele Kang. We have a high-caliber squad that we aim to strengthen with talented players like Tabitha to maintain our position at the pinnacle of European football."
Tabitha Chawinga:
"I am proud to be the first Malawian to play in Europe, especially in Lyon. I hope to inspire others from Malawi to follow in my footsteps and come play here, in Europe, and at this great club. Growing up in Malawi wasn't easy, especially with parents who didn't want me to play football."
"I am here not just for myself, but also to represent my country and show the new generations that it's possible to believe in their dreams and make them come true, as I have done."
"I am very pleased to join Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, a historic club with numerous Women’s Champions League and French Championship titles. Signing with a top-tier club was a goal for me, and I am excited to continue my career at OL."
"I look forward to the season starting, meeting the coach and my new teammates, and I hope we can continue to win titles together. I am proud to be the first Malawian to play in Europe and in Lyon."