Zambian football sensation Barbra Banda has smashed yet another milestone, becoming the first African player to earn a spot in the prestigious FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
This historic recognition comes just weeks after Banda was crowned the BBC Women’s Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of football’s brightest stars.
The 24-year-old Copper Queens captain and prolific striker had an unforgettable season, guiding Orlando Pride to victory in both the US National Women’s Soccer League Shield and Championship.
Her exceptional performances on the field earned her a place among the world’s best, chosen by over 7,000 professional players who voted for the team of the year.
This marks a watershed moment for African women’s football, as Banda breaks into a lineup that has long been dominated by players from Europe and the Americas.
She joins an elite roster that includes Brazilian icon Marta, England’s Alex Greenwood, and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or Féminin winner.
The FIFPRO World XI is unique in that it is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers.
Banda’s selection follows a standout year during which she led Zambia to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand, competed in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and helped secure Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.
2024 FIFPRO Women’s World XI
Goalkeeper:
Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Defenders:
Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain)
Midfielders:
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Forwards:
Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
Lauren James (Chelsea, England)
Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
