Barbra Banda's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Barbra Banda.

Barbra Banda is a Zambian professional footballer renowned for her role as a striker. She currently plays for the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and serves as the captain of the Zambia national team. Banda is recognized for her prolific goal-scoring ability and leadership on the field, making her a prominent figure in women's soccer. She has represented Zambia in major international tournaments, showcasing her talent and contributing significantly to the team's performance.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 2018: Signs with EDF Logroño

In October 2018, Barbra Banda signed with Spanish first division club EDF Logroño, becoming the first Zambian woman footballer to play in Europe.

2020: 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

In 2020, Barbra Banda captained the Zambian squad at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. She scored hat tricks against both the Netherlands and China, becoming the first woman footballer in Olympic history to score back-to-back hat tricks and the first to score two hat tricks in one tournament.

September 2022: Wins COSAFA Women's Cup

In September 2022, Barbra Banda led Zambia to victory in the 2022 COSAFA Women's Cup. Her ten goals earned her the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament.

December 2022: Declared Eligible to Compete by FIFA

In December 2022, FIFA ruled Barbra Banda eligible to compete, allowing her to participate in future tournaments.

2022: Zambia Wins COSAFA Women's Cup

In 2022, Barbra Banda led Zambia to victory in the COSAFA Women's Cup. She also won the Golden Ball award, scoring ten goals throughout the tournament.

July 2023: Victory over Germany and Player of the Match

On 7 July 2023, Barbra Banda scored two goals, including the game-winner, against FIFA #2-ranked Germany, leading Zambia to a 3–2 upset. She was named Player of the Match. Then, on 31 July 2023, Banda also won player of the match in Zambia's first win in a World Cup, a 3–1 victory over Costa Rica, scoring the 1,000th goal in Women's World Cup history.

April 2024: Qualifies for 2024 Summer Olympics

On 9 April 2024, Barbra Banda scored a brace in a 2–0 away extra-time victory over Morocco, qualifying her nation to the 2024 Summer Olympics.

November 2024: Voted BBC Women's Footballer of the Year

In November 2024, Barbra Banda was voted the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year. J. K. Rowling implied that she is male, leading Emma Hayes and Megan Rapinoe to defend Banda.

December 2024: African Women's Footballer of the Year

On 16 December 2024, Barbra Banda was voted the African Women's Footballer of the Year for 2024.

2024: NWSL Best XI and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year

Barbra Banda's performance throughout the 2024 NWSL season led to her being named to the NWSL Best XI, nominated for the Ballon d'Or and NWSL MVP, and voted the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.

2024: Banda Leads Pride to NWSL Championship

In 2024, Barbra Banda signed with the Pride and led the team to the NWSL Shield and the 2024 NWSL Championship. She was also named the NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player.

2024: African Women's Footballer of the Year Award

In 2024, Barbra Banda was named African Women's Footballer of the Year, BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, and was selected for the FIFPRO Women's World 11.

2024: NWSL Championship Victory and MVP Award

In November 2024, Barbra Banda scored the lone goal in the NWSL Championship Final, securing a 1-0 victory for Orlando Pride. She was named the championship's MVP.