Racheal Kundananji Makes History as First African to Win GOAL50 Award
Racheal Kundananji Makes History as First African to Win GOAL50 Award
Zambia Women’s National Team forward Racheal Kundananji has made history by becoming the first African player to top the GOAL50 list, whether male or female, in the history of the award. Kundananji’s outstanding 2022-23 season, where she scored 25 goals in 29 league games for Madrid CFF and added her first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal in July 2023, earned her the prestigious accolade.
The Zambia star’s remarkable achievements secured her the top spot in the GOAL50 list, with Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala finishing second and Colombia’s Linda Caicedo coming in third. All three players represent Liga F clubs, with Oshoala at Barcelona and Caicedo at Real Madrid.
Kundananji’s impressive debut season with Madrid CFF, where she scored two goals in an upset victory over eventual champions Barcelona, solidified her status as one of the best young players in the game. Her stellar performances continued on the international stage, contributing to Zambia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign and notching her first hat-trick at the international level.
The GOAL50 award, an annual accolade ranking the 50 best footballers globally over the previous 12 months, saw a format change in 2022, allowing fans to decide the winners through head-to-head voting. Kundananji’s historic achievement reflects her exceptional talent and contributions to both club and international football.
