Zambian Striker Becomes First African In FIFPRO Women’s World 11
Zambian striker Barbra Banda has made history by becoming the first player from Africa to be voted into the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, following the unveiling of the team for 2024 on Monday.
Banda has been rewarded for her excellent form for club and country in the past 12 months, having netted 17 goals in 25 games for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and leading them to the Shield and Championship titles in the United States.
The 24-year-old was exceptional for Pride, who were formed nine years ago but claimed their maiden trophies in 2024, in no small part to the exploits of Banda.
“It’s an extremely humbling feeling to get this honour and especially as it is my fellow players who voted,” Banda said. “That makes it even a little more special. It’s just a great feeling to get such a huge recognition. God has truly been on my side.”
The forward also recently won the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award. She was also excellent at the 2024 Olympic Games for Zambia and became the second most expensive player in women’s football history when she transferred for a reported fee of USD 740,000 from Chinese side Shanghai Shengli.
English players led the 2024 Women’s World 11 with five selected: Lucy Bronze, Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James and Keira Walsh. Bronze’s seventh selection tied her with Wendie Renard for the women’s appearance record.
Over 7,000 women football players have voted for their team of the year. The World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers.
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 received the most votes from their peers for their performances from 21st August 2023 to 10th August, 2024 inclusive. Players must have appeared in at least 20 official matches during that period.
The 2024 FIFPRO Women’s #World11 🤩
Respected by players. pic.twitter.com/gh4Hfw1GXM
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 9, 2024
2024 FIFPRO Women’s World 11
Goalkeeper
Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Defenders
Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England)
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
Midfielders
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)
Forwards
Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
Lauren James (Chelsea, England)
Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil).
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