Barbra Banda Biography, Age, Salary, Husband, Net Worth

Barbra Banda is a Zambian footballer known for her speed, strength, and goal-scoring skills. She is a forward for Shanghai Shengli and the Zambia women’s national team. Banda made history at the Olympics and is one of Africa’s top female footballers, inspiring many with her talent and determination.

Barbra Banda Biography

Barbra Banda, a Zambian professional footballer, was born in Lusaka on March 20, 2000. She is known for her exceptional striker skills and currently plays for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). As the captain of the Zambia national team, she has made history as Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football and is regarded as one of the best female footballers in the world.

Barbra Banda Educational Background

Banda’s early years were mainly focused on developing her football career. She played football from a young age, often sneaking out to practice when her parents were concerned about her balancing school and sports.

Barbra Banda Career

Banda began her career as a professional boxer, remaining undefeated in five matches before fully committing to football. She later founded the Barbra Banda Foundation, which supports young girls in Zambia through sports, education, and empowerment. She is also a member of Common Goal, donating part of her earnings to charity.

Club Career

Banda made history as the first Zambian woman to play in Europe when she joined Spanish club EDF Logroño in 2018. During her time there, she proved her talent by scoring 16 goals in 28 matches. In 2020, she took her career to China, signing with Shanghai Shengli in the Super League. Her time in China was remarkable, as she netted 18 goals in just 13 league matches and won the Golden Boot. In 2024, Banda made another big move, joining Orlando Pride for a record-breaking $740,000 transfer fee. Her debut season was exceptional, leading her team to both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship, where she was named the NWSL Championship MVP.

International Career

Banda made her senior national team debut in 2016. She captained Zambia at the 2020 Olympics, scoring two historic hat tricks. In 2022, she led Zambia to their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Cup title, winning the Golden Ball. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she helped Zambia secure their first-ever tournament win, scoring a crucial goal against Costa Rica. She also played a key role in Zambia’s qualification for the 2024 Olympics.

Also Read: Temwa Chawinga Biography, Age, Salary, Net Worth

Barbra Banda Awards

Barbra Banda’s talent and leadership have earned her several top awards for her performances in club and international football, including:

• NWSL Championship MVP – (2024)
• African Women’s Footballer of the Year – (2024)
• BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year – (2024)
• Named to FIFPRO Women’s World 11 – (2024)
• NWSL Best XI – (2024)
• COSAFA Women’s Cup Golden Ball – (2022)
• Chinese Women’s Super League Golden Boot – (2020).

Barbra Banda Salary

Barbra Banda earns an annual salary of $525,000 under her four-year contract with Orlando Pride, totaling approximately $2.1 million. She became one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL after joining the club in 2024. Orlando Pride signed her for a record-breaking $740,000 transfer fee, the second-largest in women’s soccer history.

Barbra Banda Controversy

In 2024, Banda faced online attacks, including from author J.K. Rowling, who implied she was male. US Women’s National Team Coach Emma Hayes and retired footballer Megan Rapinoe defended her.

In 2022, Banda and three of her teammates were disqualified from the Africa Cup of Nations due to high natural testosterone levels. This decision sparked global debates about gender regulations in sports. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) faced criticism from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, for what was seen as discrimination.

Also Read: Tabitha Chawinga Biography, Age, Husband, Net Worth

Barbra Banda Age

Barbra Banda was born on March 20, 2000, she is 25 years old as of 2025.

Barbra Banda Personal Life

Barbra Banda is a private person but passionate about inspiring young girls in Zambia through football. She started playing at seven, training with boys due to a lack of girls’ teams. Her father, a former footballer, influenced her career. In 2021, she founded the Barbra Banda Foundation to empower young girls through sports.

Barbra Banda Husband

Barbra Banda is not married and has not publicly shared any information about being in a relationship. She remains focused on her football career and philanthropy.

Also Read: Michelle Alozie Biography, Age, Husband, Parents, Net Worth

Barbra Banda Family

Banda was born into a supportive family, her father, a former footballer, encouraged her passion for the sport and played a key role in her journey to becoming a professional player. While she keeps most details about her family private, it is evident that their support has been instrumental in her success.

Barbra Banda Net Worth

Barbra Banda’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. Her wealth comes from her professional football career, including her $525,000 annual salary at Orlando Pride, past earnings from Shanghai Shengli, and endorsement deals. Her growing influence in women’s football also adds to her financial success.

Barbra Banda Social Media Handles

Barbra Banda actively engages with her fans through various social media platforms:

• Instagram: @barbrabandaofficial
• X (Twitter): @BarbraBanda11
• Facebook: Barbra Banda.

Barbra Banda Career Statistics

Barbra Banda has consistently delivered outstanding performances at both club and international levels. Her goal-scoring ability and leadership have set records and earned her recognition worldwide. Below are some of her notable career statistics:

• Club Football:
  • EDF Logroño: 16 goals in 28 matches
  • Shanghai Shengli: 18 goals in 13 matches (2020 season Golden Boot winner)
  • Orlando Pride (2024): 13 league goals, led team to NWSL Championship
• International Career:
  • Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football
  • Scored back-to-back hat tricks at the 2020 Olympics
  • Helped Zambia win the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Cup
  • Scored Zambia’s first-ever Women’s World Cup win in 2023
  • Qualified Zambia for the 2024 Olympics.