Barbra Banda, a 24-year-old forward playing for Orlando Pride and the Zambia national team, has been making waves in the world of women’s football. After gaining attention for her performances at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the 2023 World Cup, Banda’s profile soared even higher when Orlando Pride acquired her from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli for a hefty fee of $740,000 (£581,000) in March.
Despite joining Orlando Pride late in the NWSL regular season, Banda has been on fire, scoring 13 goals and ranking second in the league’s top scoring chart. Known for her clinical finishing, Banda made history as the first female player to score consecutive hat-tricks at the Olympic Games, achieving this feat in 2021 and then again at Paris 2024.
In an interview, Banda expressed her excitement at representing Zambia at the Olympics and scoring a hat-trick, emphasizing the importance of wearing the Zambian shirt. She also spoke about her admiration for Brazilian legend Marta, her teammate at Orlando Pride, and her dream of becoming the greatest footballer in the world.
Apart from her football skills, Banda has a background in professional boxing, having won all five of her bouts before transitioning to football. She idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo and scored Zambia’s second-ever World Cup goal, which was also the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history. Additionally, Banda has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, marking Zambia’s first-ever nomination for the prestigious award.
Coaches and experts in the football world have praised Banda for her goal-scoring prowess and ability to find the back of the net consistently. United States head coach Emma Hayes described her as the most in-form striker in world football, while Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines highlighted her goal-scoring instincts and positioning on the field.
In addition to her on-field achievements, Banda has set up a foundation in Zambia to empower young girls and boys in her community who lack opportunities. She is passionate about giving back and providing support to those in need, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.
As Barbra Banda continues to shine on the international stage and garner recognition for her talent and determination, she remains focused on her goal of leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football. With her impressive skill set, work ethic, and dedication to giving back, Banda is poised to inspire the next generation of footballers and make a lasting impact on the sport.