Exclusive: As Barcelona Face Arsenal, Lyon’s Chawinga Reflects on What Might Have Been

As anticipation builds for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Arsenal, one player with a unique vantage point is Tabitha Chawinga - the lethal Malawian striker who came heartbreakingly close to reaching the final with Lyon.

In this exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Chawinga opens up about her debut season in France, winning her first European league title, missing out on Champions League glory, and her thoughts on the two finalists, both of whom stand as symbols of her own ambitions.

Born in Rumphi, Malawi, Chawinga’s journey to elite European football has been nothing short of remarkable. After top-scoring stints in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, she lit up the Chinese Women’s Super League, claiming multiple Golden Boots and league titles before testing herself in Italy with Inter Milan.

In 2023, she made a high-profile move to Olympique Lyonnais from perennial rivals Paris Saint-Germain, Europe’s most decorated women’s club, signalling her readiness for the sport’s highest stage.

A Missed Chance at Women's Champions League Glory

Despite her strong performances in Europe, Chawinga’s dream of lifting the UEFA Women’s Champions League was halted in the semifinals by a spirited Arsenal side.

“Everything in life happens for a reason. I really desired to win the Champions League just like my teammates. I came here to win trophies, especially in my first season," Chawinga told SportsBoom.com.

"However, no hope is lost yet. My teammates and I believe we can still achieve in the coming season. We have to continue to keep our hopes alive. There's a lot more Champions League to come.”

First European Title, A Special Feeling

While the Champions League proved elusive, Chawinga helped Lyon to yet another French league crown — her first title in Europe after spells in three top-flight leagues.

"I feel very proud and excited about this success. This was a team success and personally, I feel this was good to compensate a lot for us missing the Champions League title. I have spent a couple of seasons in Europe, from Sweden to Italy and now France," she continued.

"Though I won league titles while I was in China, this is very special as it is my first in Europe. It is surreal for me and my career that I could achieve this career historic victory despite a tough and competitive season."

A Fierce Domestic Battle in France

The race for the D1 Arkema title wasn’t an easy one, as Lyon had to fend off tough competition from Paris Saint-Germain and an impressive Paris FC side.

"It was a tough and challenging season, especially competing with the likes of Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain. They really gave us a real fight for the title, and you can see Paris FC winning the French Cup," she admitted. 

"This tells a lot about the increasing competition among the teams for trophies. I am grateful to God for giving us this league trophy. Overall, it was a good feeling for me and my teammates. We have something to celebrate and better seasons ahead to look forward to."

Putting Arsenal Defeat in Perspective

Lyon’s semifinal loss to Arsenal was a bitter pill, but Chawinga accepts the result as part of football, with a mature and measured outlook.

"Lyon is one of the best women's clubs in the world. Everyone wants to beat Lyon. As players, we are not happy to lose, but we must understand that this is football. Anything is possible," the Malawian said.

"We cannot keep beating ourselves over losing to Arsenal. It was just football. It is gone, and we must focus on the next one."

"If we must talk about Arsenal, it is just like saying Arsenal beating Real Madrid, the most successful men's club in the world. But France is in the men's final with PSG, and they have all it takes to win as well. The whole of France is united behind PSG."

Barcelona vs Arsenal Final: A Star’s Verdict

With both of her former rivals set to clash in the final, Chawinga is neutral, but expects a fierce and entertaining contest between two world-class outfits.

"I believe both teams will provide a quality, competitive and interesting final. They are both good teams."

"I expect that, since playing in the final, they will give themselves a good challenge at that title stage."

"If you get to the final, your chance of winning the title is the same. I honestly can't give it to any side but hope the best team wins."

Eyes Still on the Prize

For Chawinga, the journey is far from over. Her ambitions remain sky-high, and her belief unshaken.

"Yes, I once said that I wish to win the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or, but that hasn't happened yet," the former PSG star laments. 

"Nothing has changed yet. I definitely believe it is possible and will focus on giving my very best to my team, and I hope that we can achieve it together next season."

"I believe very much in my teammates and coaches and staff, and confident we will achieve great success next year."

With her hunger for silverware, loyalty to her teammates, and relentless work ethic, Chawinga continues to blaze a trail for African talent in Europe.