Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been crowned BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year after topping the votes from readers of the BBC Sport website.
The announcement follows the unveiling of a five-player shortlist last month, selected by a global panel of football experts, including coaches, players, administrators, and journalists. The shortlist reflected performances between September 2023 and August 2024.
“I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” the 24-year-old said. “I want to thank everyone who voted and all those who have supported me throughout my life and career—my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially my Pride teammates. This award is for everyone.”
Banda had a sensational year, making history as the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10 goals. She netted four goals for Zambia during the Paris Olympics, including a stunning first-half hat-trick against Australia.
Her impact at Orlando Pride was equally impressive. Despite joining the team in March, Banda scored 13 goals during the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season and added four more in the playoffs. She sealed the Pride’s first-ever championship title with a winning goal in the final and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí placed second in the voting, while USA and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith came third. Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen and USA’s Naomi Girma also featured on the shortlist.
Banda became the second-most expensive signing in women’s football history when she joined Pride from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for $740,000 (£581,000) earlier this year. She followed in the footsteps of her Zambia teammate Racheal Kundananji, who holds the top spot.
“My aim is always to score because I love scoring,” Banda said. “But it starts with practice, solid training sessions, and good communication with the coaches and my teammates. Hard work and consistency have been key.”
Banda’s journey to the top has been remarkable. A former professional boxer with an undefeated record in five bouts, she switched focus to football, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
“Growing up in Zambia wasn’t easy, especially as a young girl wanting to play football,” she shared. “Parents didn’t believe women could play football. My mum wasn’t supportive at first, but as women’s football gained recognition in Zambia, she came to understand and let me pursue my passion.”
Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines praised Banda’s influence: “It’s fantastic to see Barbra recognized for her contributions to our club and African football. She’s humble, a team player, and a great person to have in our squad. For all her individual achievements, she always puts the team first.”
This award marks yet another milestone in Banda’s inspiring career, highlighting her as a trailblazer for women’s football in Africa and beyond.
