The nomination comes after Banda broke Orlando Pride’s all-time single-season goalscoring record.
The Zambian forward features among the 30 nominees for the prestigious 2026 award, alongside Malawi Women’s National Team star Temwa Chawinga.
Banda continues to cement her status as one of the leading players in the NWSL and women’s football globally.
Barbra Banda enjoyed an outstanding run, earning a place in the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, scoring eight NWSL goals and five goals at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to finish among the tournament’s joint-top scorers.
Earlier, she was named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year and CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Banda has also represented Zambia at two Olympic Games and a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or, organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA, recognises the best male and female footballers in the world.
The award’s reference period runs from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, while the recently concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will count towards the current award cycle.
By Canaan Siame
