Barbara Banda nominated for FIFPRO World XI.
Barbara Banda nominated for FIFPRO World XI.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has been named among the 26 players shortlisted for the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s Best XI, marking her first-ever nomination for the prestigious recognition.
Banda’s nomination follows an outstanding season with Orlando Pride in the USA’s top-tier National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
She was pivotal in Seb Hines’ side’s record-breaking campaign, clinching both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship.
The Zambian forward recorded 17 goals and seven assists across all competitions and made history by becoming the first player to score in every stage of the NWSL playoffs.
Her stellar performances earned her the NWSL Championship MVP title.
In addition to her FIFPRO nod, Banda was recently named the BBC Women’s Player of the Year and is also in contention for CAF Women’s Player of the Year and FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year awards.
Malawian star Tabitha Chawinga also made the 26-player shortlist, while her sister Temwa, who impressed for KC Current in the NWSL, narrowly missed out.
The FIFPRO Women’s Best XI nominees were voted for by professional football players worldwide.
2024 FIFPRO Women’s Best XI Nominees
Goalkeepers
- Mackenzie Arnold
- Mary Earps
- Christiane Endler
Defenders
- Selma Bacha
- Ona Batlle
- Millie Bright
- Lucy Bronze
- Olga Carmona
- Jess Carter
- Naomi Girma
- Alex Greenwood
Midfielders
- Aitana Bonmatí
- Debinha
- Ingrid Engen
- Lindsey Horan
- Alexia Putellas
- Ella Toone
- Keira Walsh
Forwards
- Athenea del Castillo
- Barbra Banda
- Linda Caicedo
- Tabitha Chawinga
- Lauren James
- Marta
- Salma Paralluelo
- Alessia Russo
The final XI will be revealed on December 9, 2024.
