Barbra Banda Shatters Records to Claim BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024
Zambia and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024, an accolade celebrating her exceptional achievements on and off the pitch.
Banda’s meteoric rise to global stardom began with her standout performances for Zambia at two Olympic Games and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Since signing with Orlando Pride in March 2024, her profile has soared even higher, cementing her status as a game-changer in women’s football.
She shone at Paris 2024, where she scored four goals, including a historic hat-trick against Australia, becoming Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football history with 10 goals. Reflecting on her journey, Banda said:
“Growing up in Zambia has never been easy, especially as a young girl. It is so difficult for us to get into sport like football. Parents never used to believe that women could play football, so it was a challenge. My mum was not in support of it, but when women’s football started being recognised in Zambia, she came to understand and let me do what I love doing most.”
This determination to overcome cultural and societal barriers has defined Banda’s career. Her story continues to inspire countless young girls across Africa to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
“I love Zambia, and just wearing that T-shirt means a lot to me. The youngsters who are coming up, the young boys and girls who are looking up to me—we are trying by all means to improve our game in Africa, which is very important for us,” she said.
An Award to Remember
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award brings together an expert panel of players, coaches, and journalists who nominate their top five players. The winner is decided through a global online vote by football fans. Banda was chosen from a shortlist of extraordinary talent, including Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, San Diego Wave and USA defender Naomi Girma, Barcelona and Norway forward Caroline Graham Hansen, and Portland Thorns and USA striker Sophia Smith.
Banda expressed her surprise and gratitude:
“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. Being the second African to win it, it’s a very big achievement for me.”
Addressing the fans who voted for her, she added:
“My message to the fans is to say thank you so much for the support that you have given me, and thank you for joining the Bandawagon!”
A Global Phenomenon
Seb Hines, head coach of Orlando Pride, praised Banda’s humility and dedication:
“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. It is great to see Barbra getting acknowledged for what she has done, not only for our club but for African football.”
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English, highlighted the significance of Banda’s win:
“Barbra’s hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance on the pitch have made her a very worthy winner of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award for 2024. Each of our nominees has had a fantastic year in football. Their commitment and resilience have not only elevated the game but inspired countless women around the world, paving the way for future generations of women in football. Congratulations to Barbra, and all our nominees for making this an unforgettable year in sport!”
A Historic Milestone
Banda joins a distinguished list of winners in the award’s decade-long history, including African trailblazer Asisat Oshoala (2015) and recent honorees like Mary Earps (2023) and Beth Mead (2022).
Her triumph underscores not only her exceptional talent but also her pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of women’s football, making her a beacon of hope and pride for many.
