Zambia women’s national team captain and Orlando Pride superstar Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year after an outstanding debut season in the USA.
Banda saw off competition from four other nominees including 2024 Balon d’or winner Aitana Bonamti who came second in the poll conducted by the world-renowned news network.
Speaking to BBC Sport after receiving her award, the 24-year old expressed her gratitude to the voters and dedicated the accolade to her family as well as her teammates and staff at both club and national team level.
“I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side. 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. It is for everyone,” Banda said.
Banda enjoyed a stellar 2024 debut campaign with Orlando as she scored 13 goals to steer the club to their maiden 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title.
The Copper Queens captain was also inspirational for her nation as she made history by becoming the leading African goal-scorer in Olympics history with 10 goals after netting four times at the Summer Games held in Paris last July.
She has attributed her successful 2024 campaign to hard work and consistency in the season she also became the second-most expensive women’s footballer, behind national teammate Racheal Kundananji, when she joined Orlando from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for US$740,000 in March.
“My aim always is to score because I love scoring but it all starts from practice, having good training sessions and good talks with the coaches and team mates. It has not been easy but I think hard work and consistency have really helped,” Banda told BBC Sport.
Banda has also become only the second African to receive the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award after Nigerian great Asisat Oshoala who won it in 2015. Oshoala is currently team mates with Kundananji, Banda’s compatriot.
