Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been voted the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, receiving the most votes from fans on the BBC Sport website.
The award follows a stellar year for Banda, who outshone a strong shortlist of five players based on their performances from September 2023 to August 2024. The list was curated by an international panel of football experts, including coaches, players, and journalists.
“I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” the 24-year-old said. “I would like to thank everyone who voted and all those who have supported me—my family, the Zambia national team, and especially my Pride team. This award is for everyone.”
Banda became the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history this summer, scoring four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, including a first-half hat-trick against Australia.
In the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she was prolific for Orlando Pride, scoring 13 goals during the regular season and an additional four in the playoffs, including the championship-winning goal. Her performances earned her the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor as she led the Pride to their first-ever title.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí finished second in the BBC vote, with USA and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith placing third. Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen and USA’s Naomi Girma rounded out the shortlist.
Banda’s record-breaking $740,000 (£581,000) transfer fee from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride in March made her the second-most expensive women’s football signing in history, behind her Zambian teammate Racheal Kundananji.
“My aim is always to score because I love scoring,” Banda said. “It all starts with practice, hard work, and consistency, and having great support from my coaches and teammates.”
Before focusing on football, Banda was a professional boxer, winning all five of her bouts. Growing up in Zambia posed challenges, especially for young girls aspiring to play football.
“Parents never believed women could play football,” Banda reflected. “My mum was not 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 contributions to the team and African football. “It’s great to see Barbra getting the recognition she deserves. She is humble, a good person, and a true team player. Her achievements are well-earned.”
As Zambia’s captain and an inspiration to young athletes, Banda continues to break barriers, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle.
