Barbra Banda has earned her third consecutive Ballon d’Or nomination after another outstanding campaign that has further established her as one of the leading attacking players in women’s football. The Orlando Pride forward and Zambia Women’s National Team captain has been included among the top 30 nominees for the prestigious individual award. Her latest recognition comes shortly after she broke the Orlando Pride’s all-time season goalscoring record, adding another major milestone to an already impressive career. Banda will compete for the honour alongside some of the biggest names in the women’s game, including Malawi Women’s National Team star Temwa Chawinga. The nomination highlights Banda’s consistency at the highest level and her growing influence on both club and international football.
Banda’s third consecutive Ballon d’Or nomination underlines the remarkable level she has maintained in recent seasons. Being included on the shortlist once is a significant achievement, but earning recognition three years in a row demonstrates sustained excellence rather than a single outstanding campaign. Her performances for Orlando Pride have made her one of the NWSL’s most dangerous attacking players, with her pace, strength, movement and finishing ability creating problems for opposing defences. The latest nomination also comes at an important point in her career as she continues to establish herself among the most recognisable figures in women’s football. Her ability to consistently perform at club level while representing Zambia on the international stage has strengthened her case for consideration among the world’s best players.
The timing of the nomination is particularly significant because Banda has just written her name into Orlando Pride history. The Zambian forward recently broke the club’s all-time season goalscoring record, adding another achievement to her growing list of individual milestones. Her goals have played an important role in Orlando Pride’s attacking performances and have helped cement her reputation as one of the leading forwards in the NWSL. Breaking a club record is especially notable for a player competing in a league that features a growing collection of elite international talent. For Banda, the achievement provides another clear indication of the impact she has made since establishing herself as a major force in American women’s football.
Banda’s inclusion on the Ballon d’Or list also places her alongside Temwa Chawinga, giving the shortlist a strong connection to African women’s football. Chawinga has emerged as another highly influential African attacking player and has continued to attract international attention through her performances. Having both Banda and Chawinga among the 30 nominees reflects the increasing visibility of African players within the global women’s game. Their presence on the list gives supporters across the continent additional reason to follow the Ballon d’Or race. It also demonstrates that elite individual talent from Africa can compete for recognition alongside established stars from the world’s biggest football nations and leagues.
The Ballon d’Or is organised annually by France Football, with the ceremony co-organised with UEFA, and recognises the best male and female players in the world. The award does not restrict consideration to a particular league, country or nationality, allowing players from different footballing environments to compete for the same individual honour. The selection process considers performances during a defined reference period, making consistency across domestic and international competitions an important factor. For the latest edition, the reference period covers the entirety of the previous season from August 3, 2025 to July 19, 2026. International competitions included within that period also form part of the assessment, while the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded on August 16, falls into the current season’s consideration.
Banda enters the latest Ballon d’Or race with an already impressive list of individual accolades. She was named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, an award that recognised her impact and performances at the highest level of the sport. She also claimed the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year award, further confirming her status as one of Africa’s premier football talents. Her achievements have extended beyond individual awards, with Banda becoming one of Zambia’s most important players and a prominent figure in the country’s rise on the international stage. She has also represented Zambia at two Olympic Games and a FIFA Women’s World Cup, giving her extensive experience on some of football’s biggest stages.
Her international career has contributed significantly to her global profile. Banda has become a key figure for the Copper Queens, combining leadership responsibilities with her role as one of the team’s primary attacking threats. Wearing the captain’s armband has added another dimension to her responsibilities, as she is expected to provide both goals and leadership for a Zambian side that has continued to gain recognition in women’s football. Her performances for the national team have helped introduce her talent to audiences beyond her club competitions. The combination of international experience, club success and individual recognition has made her one of the most prominent African players in the modern women’s game.
The latest Ballon d’Or nomination also reflects the broader growth of women’s football and the increasing attention being given to players competing outside Europe’s traditional football powerhouses. Banda’s success in the NWSL shows that elite African players can build influential careers in different football markets while competing against some of the world’s best talent. Her performances for Orlando Pride have provided another platform for her to demonstrate her abilities at a consistently high level. The growing recognition of players such as Banda and Chawinga also gives young footballers across Africa examples of what can be achieved through sustained development and high-level competition. Their nominations can further raise the profile of African women’s football on the international stage.
The next major milestone in the award process will come on October 26, 2026, when the Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in London. The final three nominees will make up the podium, meaning Banda now faces strong competition as the field is narrowed toward the eventual winner. Reaching the final three would represent another major achievement in her already decorated career, particularly given the depth of talent represented on the 30-player shortlist. Regardless of where she ultimately finishes, securing a third consecutive nomination confirms that Banda remains firmly within the conversation surrounding the world’s best female footballers. Her record-breaking season with Orlando Pride has only strengthened that position.
Barbra Banda’s latest Ballon d’Or nomination is therefore more than another entry on an impressive list of personal achievements. It reflects the consistency she has shown for Orlando Pride, the leadership she provides the Copper Queens and the growing influence she has developed within the global women’s game. Her recent Orlando Pride goalscoring record provides a timely reminder of her ability to deliver at club level, while her international experience continues to reinforce her standing as one of Zambia’s most important sporting figures. With a third consecutive nomination secured, attention will now turn to whether she can progress to the final three when the ceremony takes place in London. Whatever the final outcome, Banda’s continued presence among the world’s leading footballers represents a significant achievement for the Zambian star and another important moment for African women’s football.