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Zambia superstar Barbra Banda has cemented her place in the annals of women’s football history after being crowned the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024.
The 24-year-old forward, currently playing for Orlando Pride in the USA, has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary skills and relentless drive.
This prestigious honour, determined by a global fan vote, is a testament to her hard work and exceptional performances over the past year.
Banda’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable.
She made history at the Paris Olympics this summer by scoring a sensational first-half hat-trick against Australia, becoming the highest-scoring African player in Olympic football history with 10 goals.
Despite joining Orlando Pride only in March, she netted an impressive 13 goals during the 2024 NWSL season, underscoring her immediate impact.
She capped off the impressive season as the NWSL best striker and the NWSL Most Valuable Player accolades.
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Growing up in Zambia, Banda faced societal barriers that often discouraged girls from pursuing sports.
Yet, her determination and passion saw her transition from a professional boxer to one of the brightest stars in women’s football.
Banda’s story is one of resilience and inspiration.
As a trailblazer, she continues to uplift African football and inspire young girls worldwide to chase their dreams against all odds.
