CAF Women Player of the Year hopeful Barbra Banda surpasses Oshoala in Ballon d’Or Nomination

Zambia’s Barbra Banda has made headlines by achieving a remarkable 12th place in her debut Ballon d’Or nomination, surpassing Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, who finished 16th in previous years.

This historic ranking marks Banda as the highest-ever African female footballer in the Ballon d’Or standings for 2024 edition, setting a new benchmark for aspiring athletes on the continent.

This also follows her nomination as five-player finalist for this year’s BBC Women’s Player of the Year, ending a 15-year wait for an African shortlist since Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala in 2015 and Cameroon’s Gaelle Enganamouit in 2019.

With an impressive season of 31 goals and six assists in 28 matches, Banda’s performance has solidified her status as a key contender for the African Player of the Year award.

Oshoala, the reigning champion, has left a legacy with her numerous accolades, including six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards and three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, but this year, she missed out on the nomination entirely.

Banda’s achievement not only underline the Copper Queens’ individual talent but also reflects the growing recognition of African footballers on the global stage.

With the winner for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year set to be announced on December 16, Banda will seek to beat off competitions from Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Malawi duo of Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.