For the third year in a row.. Barbra Banda reserves her spot in the world's best women's players list at the Ballon d'Or
Zambia international Barbra Banda has finished 18th in the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or rankings extending her presence among the world's leading female footballers despite dropping four places from last year's standings.
The 26 year old Orlando Pride striker learned her position on Monday 26 October as France Football began revealing the rankings ahead of the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium.
Banda finished immediately behind Barcelona's Esmee Brugts who claimed 17th place and ahead of Belgium international Tessa Wullaert in 19th.
The result marks Banda's third consecutive appearance in the prestigious 30 player shortlist confirming her continued recognition on the international stage.
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Barbra Banda drops to 18th after two higher finishes
Banda's latest ranking represents a decline compared with her previous Ballon d'Or appearances.
The Zambia captain finished 12th in 2024 becoming one of Africa's highest-ranked players in the women's award.
She subsequently placed 14th in 2025, as reported when Banda and Temwa Chawinga finished outside the top ten.
Her three consecutive finishes are:
- 2024: 12th place
- 2025: 14th place
- 2026: 18th place
Although she has slipped six positions compared with her 2024 result, Banda remains a regular presence among the world's most recognised female footballers.
Why was Banda nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
Banda's nomination followed an impressive year for both Orlando Pride and Zambia.
The forward broke Orlando's single season goalscoring record in 2026, reaching 16 goal across all competitions by September.
She surpassed the previous record of 13 goals, established by Brazilian legend Marta in 2017 and matched by Banda herself in 2024.
Her performances prompted Orlando Pride to reward her with a new contract running until 2029, as confirmed in the club's official September announcement.
Banda also made an important contribution during the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Zambia captain scored five goals and provided one assist in three appearances, including an extraordinary four-goal performance against Egypt.
As Foot Africa reported following Zambia's 6-0 victory, Banda's attacking display established her as one of the tournament's standout performers despite her country's group-stage elimination.
African attention turns to Temwa Chawinga
Banda is one of two African national team players nominated for this year's Women's Ballon d'Or, alongside Malawi international Temwa Chawinga.
The Kansas City Current forward also earned recognition following her performances in American football and at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
With Banda's 18th place finish now confirmed, attention turns to Chawinga's position in the remaining rankings.
The main ceremony takes place on Monday evening in London, where the successor to three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí will be announced.
For Banda, the 2026 result adds another chapter to her international recognition, even though her ranking has declined despite an outstanding individual campaign.
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