Barbra Banda reacted with “shock and surprise” after being crowned the BBC Football Player of the Year on Tuesday, 26 November 2024. The Zambia and Orlando Pride player topped the five-player shortlist after some brilliant performances on the field last year.
“I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” the 24-year-old told BBC Sport.
“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.”
2024 BBC Football Player of the Year, Zambia’s Barbra Banda
Banda has had a phenomenal few months with her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, Orlando Pride. Since she joined the team in March on a record deal from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shengli, she scored 14 goals during the season and four in the playoff’s helping Pride seal the league title.
On the international front, Banda famously scored at the 2023 Women’s World Cup to give Zambia their first victory at the soccer showpiece, and the Copper Queens also completed a shock 3-2 win over Germany at the event.
She is also the top African scorer – male or female – at the Olympics, having bagged a whopping 10 goals on that world stage.
Banda’s victory is a big win for women’s football on the continent as she is now one of three players nominated for the gong and only the second woman to win, after Nigerian’s Asisat Oshoala’s crowning glory in 2015.
There could be more celebration for the Zambian player as she has made the 16-woman shortlist for The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2024 Award, and is also in the running for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Main Photo Caption: Barbra Banda reacted with shock and surprise after being crowned the BBC Football Player of the Year on Tuesday, 26 November 2024. The Zambia and Orlando Pride player topped the five-player shortlist after some brilliant performances on the field last year. Photo: Barbra Banda
Photo 2 Caption: Banda’s elite status in football continues to rise after fans voted her as the BBC Football Player of the Year. Photo: Football Association of Zambia
Photo 3 Caption: The star is also in the running for the Best FIFA Women’s Player 2024, and the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. Photo: Football Association of Zambia
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