Barbra Banda, the star striker for Orlando Pride, has been named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. At just 24 years old, the Zambian international has made history as the eighth player to claim the prestigious award in its 10-year history. Her remarkable performances for both club and country solidified her as a standout talent in women’s football.
Banda’s exceptional year began with a record-breaking performance at the 2024 Olympics, where she became the highest-scoring African player in the event’s history. Despite Zambia’s group-stage exit, Banda scored four goals, including her third Olympic hat trick, showcasing her ability to deliver on the international stage.
In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Banda’s impact was undeniable. In her debut season, she finished as the league’s second-highest scorer with 13 regular-season goals. Her contributions were pivotal in leading Orlando Pride to their first-ever Shield and Championship victories. Banda’s title-winning goal in the Championship match earned her the Championship MVP trophy, and her four postseason goals set a new NWSL playoff scoring record.
The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award is determined by fans, who vote from a shortlist of five players. The finalists are selected by an international panel of soccer experts, including coaches, players, administrators, and journalists. This year’s nominees were chosen based on their performances between September 2023 and August 2024.
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Banda edged out tough competition, including Barcelona stars Aitana Bonmatí and Caroline Graham Hansen, as well as NWSL standouts Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns) and Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave). Notably, this year’s shortlist did not include any players with club or country ties to England, a rarity in the award’s history.
Banda becomes only the second winner of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award without a direct connection to England, joining two-time winner Ada Hegerberg of Norway. Her achievement reflects her growing influence on the global stage and solidifies her status as one of the game’s elite players.
Reacting to the honor, Banda expressed gratitude to her Orlando Pride teammates. “I’m just dedicating this award to every one of you guys who has been there for me,” she said, acknowledging the collective effort behind her success.
Barbra Banda’s incredible journey and achievements in 2024 have not only earned her individual accolades but also highlighted her as a beacon of inspiration for African players on the world stage
