Zambia captain Barbra Banda has been ranked 18th in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or standings, extending her run of appearances among the world’s leading female footballers despite falling four places from her position last year.
The Orlando Pride striker learned her ranking on Monday, 26 October, as France Football began announcing the results ahead of the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium.
Banda finished behind Barcelona’s Esmee Brugts, who was placed 17th, and ahead of Belgium international Tessa Wullaert in 19th.
The latest result marks Banda’s third consecutive appearance on the award’s 30-player shortlist, underlining her continued recognition in the international game.
Her ranking has declined steadily over the past three years. After finishing 12th in 2024, the Zambia forward placed 14th in 2025 before dropping to 18th in the latest standings.
Although she is now six places below her 2024 position, Banda remains among the 30 players recognised in the prestigious annual award.
The 26-year-old’s nomination followed an impressive period for both club and country, highlighted by her goalscoring achievements with Orlando Pride and her performances for Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Record-breaking season at Orlando Pride
Banda’s contribution to Orlando Pride was a major feature of her year, with the forward setting a new single-season goalscoring record for the club in 2026.
By September, she had scored 16 goals across all competitions, surpassing the previous mark of 13 set by Brazilian great Marta in 2017. Banda had equalled that total herself in 2024.
Her performances prompted Orlando Pride to extend her contract until 2029, with the club confirming the new agreement in September.
The achievement strengthened Banda’s reputation as one of the leading attacking players in American football and formed part of the case for her inclusion among the Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees.
Her latest ranking, however, represents a lower finish than in either of her two previous appearances on the shortlist.
Banda’s progression in the standings has been as follows:
- 2024: 12th
- 2025: 14th
- 2026: 18th
Despite the decline, three consecutive appearances among the 30 shortlisted players demonstrate her continued presence at the highest level of the women’s game.
Five goals at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Banda also made a significant contribution for Zambia during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Copper Queens captain scored five goals and provided one assist in three appearances at the tournament, including a remarkable four-goal display against Egypt.
Zambia won that match 6-0, with Banda’s attacking performance establishing her as one of the competition’s standout players.
However, the team were eliminated during the group stage, despite the striker’s individual contribution.
Her performances for the national side, combined with her record-breaking club season, helped secure another nomination for the prestigious individual award.
Banda’s 18th-place finish was announced by the Ballon d’Or account on social media on 26 October, confirming her position in the final standings.
Chawinga also represents Africa
Banda is one of two African national team players nominated for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, alongside Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga.
Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current, also received recognition following her performances in American football and at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With Banda’s position now confirmed, attention has shifted to where Chawinga will finish in the remaining rankings.
The main Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday evening in London, where the successor to three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí will be announced.
For Banda, the latest result represents another year of recognition on the global stage. Although she has slipped from 12th in 2024 to 18th in 2026, her record-breaking season with Orlando Pride and productive campaign for Zambia have kept her among the leading names in women’s football.
