Barbra Banda’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, cementing her place as one of the most recognized figures in global women’s football. After representing Zambia at two Olympic Games and competing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, her reputation skyrocketed further when she joined Orlando Pride in March 2024.
This summer, Banda made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scoring four goals, including a hat-trick against Australia. With this achievement, she became Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football, totaling 10 goals. She had previously represented Zambia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she had already established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, now in its tenth year, saw an expert panel comprising current and former professionals, coaches, and journalists nominating their top five players of the year. The winner is determined by a global public vote, with fans from around the world casting their ballots. Barbra Banda emerged victorious in 2024, further solidifying her place among the elite in women’s football.
Upon receiving the award, Barbra expressed her surprise and gratitude, acknowledging the influence of her teammates: “I am shocked and surprised to have this award by my side. My teammates have been pushing for me to be where I am right now and to have this trophy. I love scoring goals, and though it hasn’t been easy, hard work and consistency have really helped me. Being the second African to win it is a massive achievement. I’m learning a lot from Marta and everyone at Orlando Pride they constantly push me to excel.”
Reflecting on her passion for representing Zambia, Barbra added, “Wearing the national shirt means the world to me. Youngsters, boys and girls, look up to me, and we are striving to improve the game in Africa, which is essential for us.”
Barbra Banda’s triumph was set against a backdrop of fierce competition from some of the biggest names in the sport. Her fellow nominees included Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, USA’s Naomi Girma, Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen, and USA’s Sophia Smith each a standout in their own right. However, the public recognized Banda’s contribution to the game, both on and off the field.
In a heartfelt message to her supporters, Barbra expressed her appreciation, saying: “Thank you so much for your support, and thank you for joining the Bandawagon!”
Seb Hines, Orlando Pride’s head coach, praised Barbra’s humility and work ethic. “She is a very humble person, and when she joined the club, she lit up the league. Scoring twelve goals in her first twelve games was a testament to her talent. Despite all her accolades, she remains a team player, and her contributions to the team are invaluable. We are thrilled to see her recognized, not just for what she has done for our club but for African football as a whole.”
Jon Zilkha, the Controller of BBC World Service English, celebrated Barbra’s achievement, stating: “Barbra’s dedication and exceptional performances have made her a deserving winner of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award for 2024. Each nominee has had an outstanding year, and their commitment has inspired countless women worldwide. Congratulations to Barbra and all our nominees for making this an unforgettable year in sports!”
Barbra’s recognition as BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year caps off an eventful decade for the award. Previous winners include Mary Earps (2023), Beth Mead (2022), Vivianne Miedema (2021), Lucy Bronze (2020), Ada Hegerberg (2019), and Asisat Oshoala (2015), among others, who have all contributed to the growth and success of women’s football globally.
