{"id":255890,"date":"2024-11-26T14:04:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/11\/26\/zambias-barbra-banda-named-bbc-womens-footballer-of-the-year\/"},"modified":"2024-11-26T14:04:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:04:03","slug":"zambias-barbra-banda-named-bbc-womens-footballer-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/11\/26\/zambias-barbra-banda-named-bbc-womens-footballer-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Zambia\u2019s Barbra Banda named BBC women\u2019s footballer of the year"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Ashiadey Dotse\u00a0<\/p>\n

Zambia and Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda has been crowned BBC Women\u2019s Footballer of the Year after receiving the most votes from BBC Sport readers.<\/p>\n

The award was based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024, with a panel of global football experts creating a shortlist of five players.<\/p>\n

Banda, 24, expressed her gratitude and surprise, saying, \u201cI am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side. I thank everyone who voted and those who have supported me\u2014my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially my Orlando Pride team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Banda\u2019s achievements this year have been extraordinary. She scored four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, including a hat-trick against Australia, becoming the highest African scorer in Olympic history with 10 goals. In the 2024 National Women\u2019s Soccer League (NWSL), she netted 13 goals in the regular season despite joining Orlando Pride in March.<\/p>\n

She added four more goals in the playoffs, including the championship-winning goal, helping Orlando Pride secure their first-ever league title. Banda\u2019s performances earned her the league\u2019s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.<\/p>\n

Spain\u2019s Aitana Bonmat\u00ed and USA\u2019s Sophia Smith finished second and third in the BBC vote, respectively. The shortlist also included Norway\u2019s Caroline Graham Hansen and USA\u2019s Naomi Girma.<\/p>\n

Banda made headlines earlier this year when she became the second-most expensive signing in women\u2019s football history, moving from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride for $740,000 in March.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her journey, Banda said, \u201cGrowing up in Zambia was never easy, especially as a young girl trying to play football. Parents didn\u2019t believe women could play the sport, but when it gained recognition in Zambia, my mum finally supported my dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Banda, a former professional boxer with an unbeaten record, switched to football and has since become a global star. Pride head coach Seb Hines praised her, saying, \u201cBarbra\u2019s humility and teamwork are just as impressive as her talent. She\u2019s been incredible for our club and African football.\u201d<\/p>\n

Banda\u2019s remarkable year highlights her rise as one of football\u2019s brightest stars, inspiring young players in Zambia and across the world.<\/p>\n

More stories here<\/p>\n