Barbra Banda, captain of Zambia’s Copper Queens, has expressed her excitement following her inclusion in the list of 30 female nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which France Football announced on Wednesday.
Banda, who recently made headlines with her transfer from Shanghai Shengli FC to Orlando Pride for a record $740,000—the second-highest fee ever for a female player—has been in stellar form this season.
The forward has netted 12 goals and provided five assists across 14 league matches, showcasing a remarkable debut season.
Her impressive performance was also evident at the Paris Olympic Games, where she scored four goals in three matches, including a hat-trick against Australia.
The 24-year-old’s contributions on club and international stages earned her recognition from France Football. Banda took to social media to share her enthusiasm about her first Ballon d’Or nomination.
“I am very excited to get my first nomination for the Ballon d’Or,” Banda said on X. “This is not possible without the hard work of my teammates at the club and national team, plus my coaches and, of course, every one of you who support my journey.”
Besides Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon, Banda has a chance to make history by securing a podium finish in the Women’s Ballon d’Or category. The winner will be revealed at the awards gala on October 28.
I am very excited to get my first nomination for the Ballon D’or.
This is not possible without the hard work of my teammates at club and national team plus my coaches and of course each and every one of you support my journey. #BB11 #BlessedChild #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/wLyCCyrNjg
— Barbra Banda (@BarbraBanda11) September 4, 2024
