Barbra Banda of Zambia - Photo Courtesy BBC Online.
Zambia Women National Team captain and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda has been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024.
Banda was voted winner of this year’s award from a shortlist of some of the biggest names in women’s football, including Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, San Diego Wave and USA defender Naomi Girma, Barcelona and Norway forward Caroline Graham Hansen, and Portland Thorns and USA striker Sophia Smith.
“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 - I think it has not been easy but hard work and consistency has really helped me,” Banda said on winning the award.
Orlando Pride coach Seb Hine hailed the Copper Queen by saying: “She is super humble and a good person. When she first came to the club, she set the league alight. I think she scored twelve goals in her first twelve games.
“She is a team player and for all of the accolades that she has won and all of the goal scoring records that she has, she puts the team first and that is really important to us. It is great to see Barbra getting acknowledged for what she has done, not only for our club, but for African football.”
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