Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, following a global vote by BBC Sport readers.
Banda, 24, enjoyed a stellar year, scoring four goals at the Paris Olympics — including a hat-trick against Australia — to become Africa’s all-time leading Olympic scorer with 10 goals. She also led Orlando Pride to their first-ever National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title, scoring 13 goals in the regular season and four in the playoffs, including the championship-winning strike. Her efforts earned her the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Banda triumphed over top contenders, including Spain’s Aitana Bonmati and USA’s Sophia Smith. Reflecting on her win, Banda said, “I’m shocked and grateful. This is for everyone who supported me.”
Once a professional boxer, Banda continues to inspire as a trailblazer for African football, overcoming societal challenges in Zambia to reach the global stage.
