Zambian football superstar Barbra Banda continues to make history on the international stage after securing her third consecutive selection in the prestigious FIFPRO Women’s World 11. The Copper Queens captain has further strengthened her position among the world’s leading female footballers, extending her record as the most-selected Zambian and African woman in the history of the global players’ team. Her latest recognition follows another impressive period of performances for both club and country, highlighting her consistency, attacking quality and influence in women’s football. Banda’s achievement is particularly significant for Zambia and Africa because she continues to represent the continent among the world’s elite football talents. Her inclusion in the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 marks another major milestone in an already remarkable career.
Banda first made history in 2024 when she became the first African footballer to earn a place in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11. That achievement represented an important moment for African women’s football and brought international attention to the quality of talent emerging from the continent. She followed up her historic debut with another selection in 2025, becoming the first African player to receive consecutive Women’s World 11 honours. Her latest inclusion in 2026 makes it three consecutive appearances, further extending her record. This remarkable consistency demonstrates the level of respect she has earned from fellow professional footballers around the world.
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 is particularly prestigious because professional footballers themselves decide the final selection. Unlike awards determined exclusively by journalists, coaches or supporters, this recognition comes directly from players who understand the demands and standards of professional football. For the 2026 edition, 6,511 women’s footballers from 64 countries participated in the voting process. Players considered performances between August 2025 and August 2026, with footballers required to make at least 20 official appearances to qualify. Banda’s selection therefore represents recognition from fellow professionals who have assessed performances across the international women’s game.
Banda’s latest achievement also places Zambia firmly in the global conversation about women’s football. Her presence in the 2026 team is particularly notable because she is the only player representing a country outside England and Spain. The final selection features several established international stars who have consistently performed at the highest level. Banda joins England’s Alessia Russo and Spain’s Claudia Pina in the attacking department. Her inclusion alongside such recognised names reflects her growing reputation as one of the most influential forwards in modern women’s football.
Her performances for Orlando Pride in the United States have played an important role in maintaining her position among the world’s leading players. During the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season, Banda recorded 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances. Her 17 goals established a new single-season scoring record for Orlando Pride, surpassing the previous club benchmark of 13 goals. She also finished the campaign with 21 goal contributions, underlining her importance to the team’s attacking play. These numbers provide a clear indication of the quality and consistency that have helped her secure another major individual recognition.
Beyond her club performances, Banda remains an important figure for the Zambia women’s national football team, widely known as the Copper Queens. As captain, she carries significant responsibility when representing her country in international competitions. Her experience at major tournaments and her ability to compete against some of the strongest national teams have made her an important part of Zambia’s football ambitions. She has helped raise the profile of Zambian women’s football and inspired greater interest in the sport among young players. Her continued success also demonstrates that African footballers can compete for recognition at the highest levels of the international game.
The importance of Banda’s FIFPRO achievement extends beyond individual recognition. For young Zambian girls who dream of becoming professional footballers, her success provides an example of what dedication, discipline and consistent performance can achieve. Her journey shows that players from African countries can establish themselves in competitive international leagues and earn recognition from their peers around the world. It also highlights the importance of investing in women’s football, developing young talent and creating opportunities for female athletes to pursue professional careers. Banda’s achievements give Zambia another reason to celebrate its sporting talent while encouraging the next generation to aim higher.
Her record also reflects the growing international visibility of African women’s football. Countries across the continent continue to produce talented players who are increasingly finding opportunities in competitive leagues around the world. However, greater investment in grassroots development, professional structures, coaching and player welfare remains important for sustaining this progress. Banda’s success provides a strong example of the potential within African football and the importance of creating pathways for talented players. Her repeated inclusion in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 sends a positive message about the standard of footballers emerging from the continent.
The 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 also recognises the outstanding performances of other international stars. England defender Lucy Bronze made history with her ninth appearance, setting a new record for selections in the women’s team. Spain and England dominated the lineup, reflecting the strength of their domestic leagues and national teams. However, Banda’s presence stands out as the only representative from outside those two countries. Her achievement reinforces her status as one of Africa’s most accomplished female footballers and one of Zambia’s most recognisable sporting figures.
For Zambia, Barbra Banda’s third consecutive FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection is a moment of national pride. She has now established a record that no other African woman has matched, becoming the continent’s most-selected female player in the history of the prestigious team. Her performances for Orlando Pride, leadership of the Copper Queens and continued recognition by fellow professionals demonstrate her influence on the international game. As she continues her career, her achievements will remain an important source of inspiration for aspiring footballers across Zambia and Africa. Barbra Banda is not only representing her country at the highest level, she is also making history and strengthening Africa’s place in world women’s football.