Copper Queens striker, Banda, shortlisted for BBC women’s footballer of the year 2024

Barbra Banda has been shortlisted for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024 award, joining five other nominees, including Aitana Bonmati, Naomi Girma, Caroline Graham Hansen and Sophia Smith.

Banda has already made a name for herself with standout performances at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Cup.

In March, she reached new heights when Orlando Pride signed her from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for US$740,000, making her the second most expensive female footballer, behind her Zambian teammate Racheal Kundananji.

Despite joining the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) late in the regular season, Banda has made an immediate impact, scoring 13 goals and currently ranking second in the league’s scoring charts.

The BBC noted her historic achievement as the first female player to score consecutive hat-tricks at the Olympics in 2021.

This summer, she continued her record-breaking form at the Paris Games, scoring four goals, including a first-half hat-trick against Australia, and becoming Africa’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic football with 10 goals.

Banda took to social media on Tuesday announcing her nomination, stating that; “I am excited to announce that I have been nominated for the @bbcsport Women’s Footballer of the Year award. It’s a great privilege and honor to be nominated alongside such amazing talents in the beautiful game.

Thank you for this recognition; I am truly humbled. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, the technical staff at my club and national team, and all of you who support my journey.”

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