Zambia women’s national football team player and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2024.
In the five-player shortlist announced, BBC Sport readers participated in a vote, and Banda received the most votes, securing the top spot.
The 24-year-old forward scored four goals for Zambia at the Summer Olympics last year, taking her total Olympic goal tally to 10, making her the highest-scoring African female footballer in Olympic history.
Additionally, Banda performed excellently for Orlando Pride in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League, scoring 13 goals despite joining the team in March. She scored the winning goal in the championship final, leading her team to its first-ever title. She was later named the MVP of the league.
In the list where Banda finished first, Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona came second, while U.S. forward Sophia Smith from Portland Thorns finished third. Norwegian winger Caroline Graham Hansen and U.S. defender Naomi Girma were also part of the shortlist.
Banda transferred to Orlando Pride for $740,000, making it the second-most expensive transfer in women’s football history.
Regarding her award, Banda stated:
“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.”
“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 teammates.”
“It has not been easy, but I think hard work and consistency have really helped.”
