Barbra Banda Makes History as First African Named in FIFPRO Women’s World 11
Prior to today’s announcement by FIFPRO, no African women’s footballer had made the FIFPRO Women’s World XI where over 7,000 women’s footballers voted for the team of the year.
The World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers. Last week, FIFPRO unveiled the 26-woman shortlist of women’s football players who received the most votes from their peers for their performances from 21 August 2023 to 10 August 2024 inclusive.
That year, Banda led the Copper Queens at their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and Olympic qualifications.
Banda’s selection has placed her alongside the world’s elite, such as Marta of Brazil, Alex Greenwood of England, and Spain’s star, Aitana Bonmati.
2024 FIFPRO WOMEN’S WORLD 11
GOALKEEPERS
Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
DEFENDERS
Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain)
MIDFIELDERS
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
FORWARDS
Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia), Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia), Lauren James (Chelsea, England), Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil). –
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ORLANDO, Fla., (Dec. 9, 2024) — FIFA today announced the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 with forward Barbra Banda and midfielder Marta both earning the recognition and representing the Pride. The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 are annual awards depicting the most outstanding footballers in the current game voted by the players, for the players. The World 11 is the only global player award decided exclusively by footballers.
