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In a historic moment, Copper Queens captain, Barbra Banda, has made history by becoming the first African player ever named to the prestigious FIFPRO Women’s World XI.
This achievement followed a remarkable year where she led Orlando Pride to the United States (US) National Women’s Soccer League Shield and Championship.
According to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) official Facebook page, Banda’s inclusion in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI marked a significant milestone, as no African woman had ever been selected for this honor before.
Over 7,000 women’s footballers cast votes for the team of the year.
“The World XI is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers,” FAZ stated.
“Last week, FIFPRO unveiled the 26-woman shortlist of footballers who received the most votes from their peers for performances between 21 August 2023 and 10 August 2024.”
During this period, Banda captained the Copper Queens at their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and Olympic qualifications.
Read more: Copper Queen players, Banda, Kundananji vie for CAF women’s player of the year
Her selection places her alongside the world’s elite players, including Brazil’s Marta, England’s Alex Greenwood, and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati.
2024 FIFPRO Women’s World XI:
Goalkeepers
1. Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Defenders
1. Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England)
2. Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
3. Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain)
Midfielders
1. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
2. Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)
3. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Forwards
1. Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia)
2. Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
3. Lauren James (Chelsea, England)
4. Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
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