Barbra Banda Makes History with Third Consecutive FIFPRO Women’s World XI Selection 🇿🇲🇺🇸
Zambian football superstar Barbra Banda has once again made the nation proud after securing a place in the prestigious 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI, marking her third consecutive appearance in the world’s best women’s football team. The Copper Queens captain continues to raise Zambia’s flag on the international stage after being recognised among the finest female footballers in the world for the third year running, following her previous selections in 2024 and 2025. This remarkable achievement makes Banda the first African woman to earn three consecutive selections in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI, further cementing her position as one of the most influential and respected attacking players in international women’s football.
The latest recognition is another major milestone in Banda’s growing football career. Her journey has attracted attention from football supporters across the world, particularly in Zambia, where she has become an inspiration to young players who dream of representing their country at the highest level. Being selected once in such a competitive team is already a significant accomplishment, but maintaining that standard for three consecutive years demonstrates the consistency, quality and determination required to compete among the world’s elite.
A Historic Achievement for Zambia and Africa
Banda first made history in 2024 when she became the first African player to be named in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI. She followed that achievement with another selection in 2025 before securing her third consecutive appearance in 2026.
Her latest inclusion extends her record as the African woman with the most appearances in the prestigious team. It also highlights the growing presence of African footballers in international women’s football, showing that players from the continent can compete with the biggest names in the game.
For Zambia, this is more than an individual football achievement. It is a moment of national pride and an important reminder of how far the country’s women’s game has progressed. Banda’s success continues to bring international attention to Zambian football and the talent that the country has to offer.
A Recognition Voted for by Professional Footballers
One of the most important aspects of the FIFPRO Women’s World XI is the way the team is selected. Unlike many football awards that involve journalists, supporters, coaches or independent voting panels, the FIFPRO World XI is decided exclusively by professional footballers.
For the 2026 edition, 6,511 women’s footballers from 64 countries participated in the voting process. Players were given the opportunity to recognise fellow professionals whose performances stood out during the assessment period.
This makes Banda’s achievement particularly special because the recognition comes directly from other players who understand the demands, challenges and competitive nature of professional football. Her fellow footballers have recognised her performances and placed her among the outstanding players of the year.
The voting process gives the award a special meaning because the players making the selections understand what it takes to perform consistently at the highest level. For Banda, earning three consecutive selections is evidence of the respect she has built among her fellow professionals.
Impressive Performances for Orlando Pride
Banda’s latest recognition also follows another impressive campaign with American club Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The Zambian forward recorded 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances during the 2026 season. Her 21 goal contributions placed her among the most productive attacking players in the competition and demonstrated the important role she continues to play for Orlando Pride.
She also established a new club record for the most goals scored in a single season, surpassing the previous mark of 13 goals associated with Brazilian football legend Marta.
Her attacking qualities have made her a difficult opponent for defenders. Banda combines speed, strength, movement, confidence and an excellent understanding of attacking spaces. She is capable of creating opportunities for herself and her teammates, while her finishing ability makes her a constant threat in front of goal.
Her performances in the United States have continued to demonstrate why she is regarded as one of the leading forwards in women’s football.
Banda Represents Zambia Among the World’s Best
The 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI features several internationally recognised football stars from England and Spain. However, Banda stands out as the only player representing a country outside those two nations in this year’s selection.
She was named among the forwards alongside Spain’s Claudia Pina and England’s Alessia Russo. Her inclusion in such an impressive attacking line-up is another indication of the level she has reached in her professional career.
The complete 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI includes:
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton.
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Mapi León and Irene Paredes.
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and Ella Toone.
Forwards: Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina and Alessia Russo.
The selection brings together players who have delivered outstanding performances for their clubs and countries, with Banda proudly representing Zambia among the world’s best.
An Inspiration to Young Zambian Footballers
Beyond the goals, records and individual recognition, Banda’s achievement carries a powerful message for young footballers across Zambia.
Her journey demonstrates that talent from Zambia can receive recognition at the highest level of international sport. Young girls who dream of becoming professional footballers can look at her achievements and believe that opportunities exist beyond their local competitions.
As captain of the Copper Queens, Banda has also become an important figure in the development and visibility of women’s football in the country. Her international success gives Zambian football supporters another reason to follow and celebrate the women’s game.
Her three consecutive FIFPRO Women’s World XI selections will remain an important milestone in the history of African women’s football. It is also an achievement that places Zambia firmly among the countries producing players capable of competing with the world’s best.
Congratulations to Barbra Banda
Banda’s latest achievement deserves recognition from football supporters across the country. From her first selection in 2024 to her latest inclusion in 2026, she has continued to demonstrate remarkable consistency and determination.
Three consecutive appearances in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI are not achieved by chance. They reflect years of dedication, hard work and performances that have earned recognition from professional footballers around the world.
As she continues her career with Orlando Pride and the Copper Queens, Zambians will be hoping to see even more outstanding performances and historic achievements from their captain.
Congratulations to Barbra Banda for making history once again! Three consecutive years among the world’s best, another record for Africa and another proud moment for Zambia. The Copper Queens captain continues to fly the Zambian flag high on the global stage.
