Thembi Kgatlana

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Thembi Kgatlana's list of achievements is remarkable for someone who came from a township with limited resources. Her 2018 AWCON double of Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament put her on the global map, and she followed it up by scoring South Africa's first World Cup goal in 2019. That goal alone made her a national hero.Her move to Tigres in 2024 brought her another title, cementing her status as a winner wherever she plays. She has also been recognized by the United Nations for her advocacy work, making her one of the few footballers to be honored by the global body. Her foundation continues to create opportunities for young people, ensuring her impact extends far beyond the pitch.

AwardsThembi Kgatlana has won several major individual awards. At the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations, she took home the Golden Boot as top scorer and was named Player of the Tournament. She has also been named African Player of the Year, a title she proudly lists in her Instagram bio. With Tigres, she has won league championships, adding team silverware to her collection.

Honours & Distinctions

AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CAF·2018

Named the African Women's Player of the Year for her outstanding performances in 2018.

UN Recognition

United Nations·2019

Featured by the UN as a gender equality activist and trailblazer in women's football.

Records & Feats

First South African to score at a FIFA Women's World Cup

Historic First·2019

Scored South Africa's first-ever goal in the tournament's history during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.