Zambia’s Barbra Banda Secures Back-To-Back Ballon d’Or Nominations

Zambian football star and Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has once again been named among the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or.

This marks her second consecutive nomination, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s top football talents.

Last year, Banda made history by finishing 12th in the rankings—the highest-ever placement for an African woman in the Ballon d’Or Féminin.

She surpassed the previous record held by Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, who placed 16th in 2022 and 20th in 2023 but missed the 2024 shortlist.

The 30-player shortlist for the 2025 award was unveiled on Thursday, with Banda joined by another African standout, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga.

In 2024, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed the top honor, but Banda’s consistent performances keep her in contention as one of the world’s elite players.

With her relentless skill and leadership, Banda continues to raise the bar for African women’s football on the global stage.