Zambian international and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2024 after receiving the highest number of votes from BBC Sport readers.
The announcement on Tuesday comes following a competitive shortlist that included some of the world’s top female footballers.
“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,” Banda, 24, told the BBC.
The prestigious award is befitting for Banda who had an outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics, scoring four goals and achieved a remarkable first-half hat-trick against Australia, making her the leading African goal scorer in Olympic history, with a total of 10 goals.
In the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2024 season, Banda scored 13 goals for Orlando Pride after joining the team in March, in addition to four goals in the playoffs.
Notably, she scored the winning goal in the championship final, leading the Pride to their first title.
Banda was also named Most Valuable Player of the NWSL for her contributions throughout the season.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati finished second in the voting, while US and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith secured third place.
Banda made headlines earlier this year when she became the second-most expensive women’s signing in history, joining Orlando Pride from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for $740,000.
JN/APA