By Ashiadey Dotse
Zambia and Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda has been crowned BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year after receiving the most votes from BBC Sport readers.
The award was based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024, with a panel of global football experts creating a shortlist of five players.
Banda, 24, expressed her gratitude and surprise, saying, “I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side. I thank everyone who voted and those who have supported me—my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially my Orlando Pride team.”
Banda’s achievements this year have been extraordinary. She scored four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, including a hat-trick against Australia, becoming the highest African scorer in Olympic history with 10 goals. In the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she netted 13 goals in the regular season despite joining Orlando Pride in March.
She added four more goals in the playoffs, including the championship-winning goal, helping Orlando Pride secure their first-ever league title. Banda’s performances earned her the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí and USA’s Sophia Smith finished second and third in the BBC vote, respectively. The shortlist also included Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen and USA’s Naomi Girma.
Banda made headlines earlier this year when she became the second-most expensive signing in women’s football history, moving from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride for $740,000 in March.
Reflecting on her journey, Banda said, “Growing up in Zambia was never easy, especially as a young girl trying to play football. Parents didn’t believe women could play the sport, but when it gained recognition in Zambia, my mum finally supported my dream.”
Banda, a former professional boxer with an unbeaten record, switched to football and has since become a global star. Pride head coach Seb Hines praised her, saying, “Barbra’s humility and teamwork are just as impressive as her talent. She’s been incredible for our club and African football.”
Banda’s remarkable year highlights her rise as one of football’s brightest stars, inspiring young players in Zambia and across the world.
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