Barbra Banda Eyes Global Glory After Stellar 2023

Barbra Banda, Zambia’s 2023 Women’s Footballer of the Year has had an extraordinary year, marked by multiple milestones in her career. The 24-year-old forward, who is focused on becoming the world’s greatest footballer has made significant strides. In 2023, she became Africa’s all-time top scorer at the Olympic Games and helped her club, Orlando Pride, win the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title, scoring the decisive goal in the playoff final.

Banda scored 17 goals throughout the season, earning her the NWSL’s Best Player award. Playing alongside Brazilian legend Marta, who has been a key mentor, elevated Banda’s performance. Banda’s year also shone on the international stage. At the Tokyo Olympics, she scored a hat-trick against Australia, bringing her total to 10 goals at the Games—more than any other African player.

Her stellar performances earned her a place in the FIFPro World XI and a second-place finish in the Fifa Best Women’s Player award, making her the first African to make the top three. Barbra Banda credits her development to playing in the competitive NWSL which has sharpened her skills. Banda’s journey to success hasn’t been easy. Her mother initially opposed her playing football but later became her biggest supporter.

Banda also faced a gender eligibility issue that kept her out of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, she bounced back stronger and led Zambia to qualify for the 2025 WAFCON. Banda now focuses on securing a continental title for Zambia, determined to bring home the trophy in 2025. She remains committed to mentoring young girls across Africa, inspiring the next generation of football stars.