Zambian football sensation Barbra Banda, who currently plays for Orlando Pride, has been honored as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. Barbra Banda received the prestigious award through votes cast by readers on the BBC Sport website, following a shortlist announcement last month. The selection process for this shortlist considered performances from September 2023 to August 2024, with a global panel of experts including coaches, players, administrators, and independent journalists.
Reflecting on her victory, the 24-year-old forward expressed her surprise and gratitude: “I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” Barbra Banda said. “I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career – my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially the Pride team. This is for everyone.” Her exceptional performance in the 2024 season has further cemented her status as a leading figure in women’s football.
A Record-Breaking Season for Barbra Banda
Barbra Banda’s 2024 season with Orlando Pride was nothing short of historic. Joining the team in March after a high-profile transfer, she quickly became a key player, scoring 13 goals during the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season and four more in the playoffs. Banda’s decisive goal in the NWSL Championship final secured Pride’s maiden league title, marking a groundbreaking moment for both the team and Banda’s career in U.S. soccer. Her exceptional achievements earned her the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season.
Pride head coach Seb Hines expressed pride in her accomplishments, emphasizing Banda’s influence on both the team and African women’s football. “It is great to see Barbra getting acknowledged for what she has done, not only for our club but for African football,” he noted. Banda’s impact on the field and her humility off it have made her a role model and an inspirational figure for aspiring young athletes worldwide.
International Triumphs and Olympic Records
Banda’s international career with the Zambian national team has been equally remarkable. She first made headlines at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first female player to score two hat-tricks in a single tournament. Her impressive performance continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she scored four goals, including a hat-trick against Australia, to become Africa’s top scorer in Olympic football history with ten goals.
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Banda again made history by scoring Zambia’s first-ever World Cup goal in their maiden victory at the tournament, a milestone that also marked the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history. Banda’s achievements on the international stage have elevated her as a symbol of excellence in African women’s football and continue to inspire young athletes across the continent.
Banda Journey of Determination and Advocacy
Banda’s journey to stardom has been filled with challenges and resilience. Growing up in Zambia, she faced cultural and societal barriers as a young girl aspiring to play football. “Growing up in Zambia has never been easy, especially as a young girl. It is so difficult for us to get into sport like football,” she shared with BBC Sport. Despite her mother’s initial hesitance, women’s football began to gain recognition in Zambia, paving the way for Banda to pursue her dreams.
Off the field, Banda has dedicated herself to giving back to her community. In 2021, she launched the Barbra Banda Foundation to address poverty, promote gender equality through sports, and raise awareness about issues impacting young girls in Zambia. Through her foundation and achievements, Banda has become an advocate for change, empowering young girls to pursue their passions in sports and beyond. As one of only two African players to win the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, Banda joins a legacy of trailblazing athletes, representing hope and progress for African women in football.
