Women’s football in Africa has undoubtedly seen remarkable growth in recent years, with an increasing number of talented and influential players making their mark both on the continent and internationally.
These African superstars have excelled on the field and become symbols of determination, strength, and inspiration for many young girls aspiring to follow in their footsteps.
At Cheapgoals, we chronicle the stories of Africa’s most valuable female footballers, who continue to push the boundaries with their immense talent.
Contents
- 1. Tabitha Chawinga – (Malawi, €360k)
- 2. Temwa Chawinga – (Malawi, €300k)
- 3. Asisat Oshoala – (Nigeria, €280k)
- 4. Barbra Banda – (Zambia, €275k)
- 5. Rasheedat Ajibade – (Nigeria, €190k)
- 6. Rachael Kundananji – (Zambia, €175k)
- 7. Rosemonde Kouassi – (Cote D’Ivoire, €115k)
- 8. Jennifer Echegini – (Nigeria, €100k)
- 9. Chiamaka Nnadozie – (Nigeria, €100k)
- 10. Monday Gift – (Nigeria, €80k)
1. Tabitha Chawinga – (Malawi, €360k)
From dusty pitches to football stardom, Malawian Tabitha Chawinga continues to defy the odds, becoming a symbol of strength and inspiration for many young girls in Malawi who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Tabitha’s journey to stardom began on the humble, dusty pitches of Rumphi, a district in northern Malawi, which prepared her for the adulation she enjoys today, despite facing numerous challenges.
The Olympique Lyon star is arguably the most famous athlete in Malawi, having become the first female Malawian footballer to play in Europe when she joined Krokom Dvarsatts, a third-tier club in Sweden, in 2014.
2. Temwa Chawinga – (Malawi, €300k)
Like her sister Tabitha, Temwa made an instant impact at the club level, particularly when she signed for Kansas City Current at the start of 2024, becoming the first Malawian player to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Temwa’s journey to football stardom is intertwined with that of her sister, while Tabitha is making waves in Europe, Temwa is also writing her own history in the U.S. with the Kansas City Current in the NWSL.
If you think Tabitha is one of Africa’s most dangerous players, wait until you see Temwa’s technical prowess, speed, and goal-scoring ability. She is undoubtedly one of the most respected players in Africa.
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3. Asisat Oshoala – (Nigeria, €280k)
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala is arguably one of the most well-known African footballers globally.
She has been a trailblazer for Nigerian and African women’s football on both the continental and international stages.
Oshoala is playing in the NWSL in the U.S. with Bay FC, after achieving tremendous success with one of Europe’s best women’s teams, Barcelona Femeni, in Spain.
With multiple African Player of the Year awards under her belt, her achievements and reputation precede her, making her one of the most formidable women players in world football.
4. Barbra Banda – (Zambia, €275k)
CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024, Barbra Banda, is one of Africa’s most respected players in world football.
Despite facing scrutiny over her testosterone levels from some women’s rights groups and members of the football community in 2022, she continues to defy the odds, steadily improving her career both on the continent and internationally.
Should Banda retire today, her success as an African ambassador will never be forgotten, given her impact at both the club and national levels.
5. Rasheedat Ajibade – (Nigeria, €190k)
Rasheedat Ajibade has been a key figure in the Super Falcons, one of Africa’s top football teams.
Known as “Rash,” she rose to prominence during the U-17 World Cup in 2014, later captaining the team at the 2016 U-17 World Cup before transitioning to the U-20 squad.
As one of Africa’s finest products in the Spanish Liga F, Ajibade’s capability to conjure magical moments on the field for Atletico Madrid Femeni makes her a standout player in world football.
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6. Rachael Kundananji – (Zambia, €175k)
Kundananji made history by becoming the first African player, male or female, to break a world transfer record when she joined Bay FC in 2024 for £685,000.
Her rise to football stardom, despite the challenges she faced, stems from her determination and perseverance.
Growing up in the Copperbelt province of Zambia, Kundananji turned her passion for the game into a record-setting career, inspiring aspiring footballers across Africa.
7. Rosemonde Kouassi – (Cote D’Ivoire, €115k)
In recent years, Africa has become a hotbed for scouting talented female players, and Ivorian Rosemonde Kouassi is one of the emerging stars making waves in Europe.
Kouassi began her football journey in Côte d’Ivoire with Juventus Yopougon, where her performances caught the attention of top European clubs.
Her career took off in France when she joined FC Fleury 91 in 2021, making an immediate impact by winning awards and scoring numerous goals.
In 2024, she moved to the NWSL with the Washington Spirit, further solidifying her international reputation.
8. Jennifer Echegini – (Nigeria, €100k)
Jennifer Echegini wasted no time in announcing herself on the global stage, first establishing herself as a key player at Juventus Femeni before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain Femeni.
Her impact on the Super Falcons cannot be overstated, playing a pivotal role in the team’s performances at the World Cup and Olympic Games in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
If she continues to improve and develop her game, Echegini has the potential to become one of Africa’s best women footballers.
9. Chiamaka Nnadozie – (Nigeria, €100k)
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s career began gaining momentum when she joined the Super Falcons in 2018, immediately catching attention with her talent as a goalkeeper.
While much of her stardom stems from her excellent performances with the national team, her club career has also seen notable success with Paris FC in France.
Known for her quick reflexes, commanding presence, and superb shot-stopping abilities, Nnadozie is widely regarded as one of the best women’s goalkeepers in world football.
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10. Monday Gift – (Nigeria, €80k)
Another Nigerian player on this list is Monday Gift, a dynamic forward known for her versatility, dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create and score goals even in the tightest of spaces.
Gift’s football journey began in the Nigerian NWFL, where her standout performances earned her a spot on the national team, allowing her to play alongside some of Africa’s top superstars.
Her rise to prominence has been a beacon of hope for many young girls still playing in the NWFL, inspiring them to dream big.
Conclusion
African women’s football has seen many talented players grace the continent, and as the women’s game continues to evolve globally, the future of African women’s football is brighter than ever.
The next generation of players is already making their mark, and we are witnessing the rise of even more stars who will shape the future of the beautiful game.
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