Zambian prolific forward Barbra Banda has been voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, Afrosport reports.
Banda wins the award after amassing the most votes from BBC Sport website readers following the release of a five-player shortlist last month.
The nominees were selected by a panel of football experts, including coaches, players, administrators and non-BBC journalists, based on their performances from the September 2023 to August 2024.
“I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” Banda 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.”
Congratulations, @BarbraBanda11!
The Orlando Pride and Zambia striker has won the public vote and been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024.#BBCWFOTY pic.twitter.com/4nc3SHdwZX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 26, 2024
Banda became the second-most expensive signing in women’s football history, behind Zambia team-mate Rachael Kundananji, when she joined Pride from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for $740,000 in March.
The 24-year-old led Orlando Pride to their first National Women’s Soccer League Championship having scored the only goal in their 1-0 win against Washington Spirit.
Banda bagged 13 goals for Orlando Pride in 2024 NWSL regular season, and four goals in the playoffs, as well as being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the NWSL.
The Copper Queens captain, who came 12th in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or, finished ahead of Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who finished second in the voting, while USA and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith finished third.
Norway and Barcelona winger Caroline Graham Hansen as well as USA and San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma completed the final five shortlist.
Banda scored four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, including a first-half hat-trick against Australia, to become the leading African scorer in Olympic history with 10 goals.
