Barbara Banda Wins 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award

Barbra Banda, the Zambian football star, has been named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, a prestigious recognition that celebrates her remarkable achievements and contributions to the world of football.

Banda’s journey to this accolade has been marked by an impressive series of accomplishments at both the club and international levels. She has proven herself as a key player for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she played an instrumental role in the team’s triumph in the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship.

Her ability to lead from the front and deliver in crucial moments was a driving force behind the Pride’s success in the league, solidifying her status as one of the top players in women’s football globally.

Banda’s stellar performances did not go unnoticed, earning her the 2024 NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. This accolade further underscores her individual brilliance, as she showcased her leadership and skill in a series of critical matches during the season.

Her impact in international football has been equally impressive, as she was awarded the 2020 Chinese Women’s Super League Top Scorer Award, having dominated in goal-scoring during her time in China. In 2023, Banda’s international exploits reached new heights when she was named the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) World’s Best International Goal Scorer, a recognition of her consistency and prowess on the global stage.

Banda’s excellence on the field has also been recognized by her peers in the NWSL, where she was named to the 2024 NWSL Best XI First Team. This selection places her among the best in the league and highlights her exceptional talent and performance throughout the season.

Beyond her achievements in club football, Banda has cemented her place in history as the all-time African Women’s Top Scorer at the Olympics. Her record-breaking goalscoring feats at the Olympic Games have made her a symbol of excellence for African women in sport, inspiring countless young girls across the continent to dream big and pursue their footballing aspirations.

Additionally, Banda’s impact on the global football market has been significant, as she is now recognized as the World’s Second Most Expensive Women’s Player. This distinction speaks to the growing recognition of her talent and the increasing value placed on female footballers in the global marketplace.

Her rise to prominence is a testament to her hard work, determination, and skill, and her achievements continue to break barriers for African women in football. Banda’s success is not just a personal triumph but also an important milestone in the broader journey of women’s football, and her story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and excellence.