Barbra Banda is Taking the NWSL, and the World, by Storm
Barbra Banda is a name associated with success in both the NWSL and international women’s soccer worlds. Recently, Banda was announced as a contender for Footballer of the Year and the 2024 Ballon d’Or, further affirming her accomplishments. Banda is a striker for Orlando Pride and plays for the Zambian Women’s National Team. Here’s what you should know about the up and coming player.
Growing Up
View this post on Instagram
Banda, now 24, grew up in the Zambian capital, Lusaka. Being raised by a father who played soccer, Banda began practicing and playing in the streets around seven years old. Banda was a part of a boys’ team because girls did not have a team at her academy. Banda began her international career at 14 years old with the U-17 Women’s National Team. She played in notable youth tournaments like the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Banda extended her international career at 18 when she signed with a first-division club in Spain. Banda became the first Zambian woman to play in Europe. After a year in Spain, Banda signed with a Chinese Super League Club. Banda left a legacy there, winning the 2020 Chinese Women’s Super League Golden Boot after scoring 18 goals in 13 league matches.
Zambian Women’s National Team
View this post on Instagram
At 16, Banda played her first game with the senior national team. Four years later, she captained the team during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Zambia’s first time competing in an international tournament. In September 2022, Banda helped lead Zambia to winning the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Cup, Zambia’s first win. In the South African tournament, Banda won the Golden Ball after scoring ten goals.
Most recently, Banda was a part of the Zambian national team for the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Zambia and Banda both made a mark in this tournament, with Banda scoring Zambia’s first World Cup goal and a 3-2 upset against Germany.
In the Spring of 2024, Banda helped secure her team a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics after scoring a brace against Morocco.
NWSL
View this post on Instagram
This past season, Banda signed a four-year contract with the Orlando Pride. She has the second-highest transfer fee in women’s soccer history. Banda had a fantastic start to the season, drawing a penalty, assisting, and scoring in her first game against Washington Spirit. Within two months of playing for the team, she was named NWSL Player of the Month in May 2024.
Her Impact
View this post on Instagram
Outside of soccer, Banda has made just as much of an impact. In 2021, Banda started the Barbra Banda Foundation, dedicated to supporting an abundance of programs. Some promote the empowerment of women and girls regarding lack of equal opportunities, gender-based violence, and economic inequality. Banda has expressed ambition to become the greatest footballer in the world and shares her passion for the community. As her astonishing journey continues to evolve, Banda is and will be a name to follow in the soccer community.
Featured image via @orlpride on Instagram
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
