Barbra makes FIFPRO World 11 shortlist
By Cecilia Nayame
COPPER Queens Captain Barbara Banda has been named among the best 11 women footballers in the world on the FIFPRO Women’s World XI shortlist for 2025.
Banda, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Orlando Pride in the United States (US), is the only Zambian on the list.
The reigning CAF African Women’s Player of the Year has proved instrumental for both the Copper Queens and Orlando Pride. She is currently nursing a season ending injury.
She has been nominated once again for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, where she will face tough competition from compatriot Racheal Kundananji, whose red-hot form at Bay FC has drawn worldwide attention.
Other international stars shortlisted for the FIFPRO World 11 include Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Ellie Carpenter, Millie Bright, Olga Carmona, Alex Greenwood, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Georgia Stanway, Lauren James, Salma Paralluelo, and Alba Redondo, among others.
Banda’s continued presence among the world’s elite underlines her growing reputation as one of Africa’s most influential footballers.
