Barbra Banda makes history once again in the FIFPRO World 11

Barbra Banda carves her name in letters of gold in the global FIFPRO squad

Africa Today at 12:38

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Barbra Banda makes history once again in the FIFPRO World 11

Zambia international Barbra Banda has made African football history once again after being named in the 2026 FIFPRO Women's World 11, announced on Monday 9 November.

The 26 year old Orlando Pride striker has now earned three consecutive selections, having previously featured in the 2024 and 2025 editions.

According to FIFPRO's official announcement, Banda is the only player in this year's team representing a national team outside England and Spain.

Her third appearance also extends her record as the African woman with the most FIFPRO World 11 selections in history.

From Africa's first selection to a third consecutive appearance

Banda first made history in 2024 when she became the first African footballer selected in the FIFPRO Women's World 11.

She repeated the achievement in 2025, becoming the first African woman to earn back-to-back selections.

Now, her inclusion in 2026 has taken that record to another level.

The Zambian forward joins England's Alessia Russo and Spain's Claudia Pina in the attacking line of a team chosen by 6,511 professional female footballers from 64 countries.

Banda is also the only player representing a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club in this year's selection.

Barbra Banda extends her records as the most-selected Zambian and African woman in FIFPRO #World11 history. @BarbraBanda11 🏆🏆🏆🇿🇲 https://t.co/HI7mCAhk0b
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 9, 2026

Why Barbra Banda continues to impress

The Orlando Pride striker has enjoyed another outstanding campaign in the United States.

According to her club's official figures, Banda recorded 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances during the 2026 NWSL season setting a new club record for goals in a single campaign.

Her performances have also attracted individual recognition beyond the United States.

As Foot Africa previously reported, Banda finished 18th in the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or rankings, marking her third consecutive appearance among the nominees.

She also impressed internationally, scoring five goals during the group stage of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including an extraordinary four goal performance against Egypt.

Banda preserves Africa's place among the world's elite

Banda and Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak were the two African internationals included among the 26 finalists for the 2026 Women's World 11.

However, only the Zambian striker secured a place in the final team.

England's Lucy Bronze also made history with her ninth selection, becoming the most frequently selected player in the Women's World 11.

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Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.