BARBRA BANDA EYES HISTORIC BALLON D’OR GLORY AS FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST STARS GATHER IN LONDON TONIGHT
Zambia’s Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda will be among the African stars attracting attention tonight, Monday, 26 October 2026, as the world’s best footballers gather in London for the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony
Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the United States, is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, putting her in contention for one of the most prestigious individual awards in world football.
The Zambian striker has established herself as one of Africa’s most recognisable female footballers, earning international acclaim for her pace, strength and remarkable goalscoring ability.
Banda will face competition from some of the biggest names in women’s football, including Spain’s two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Poland’s Ewa Pajor, England’s Alessia Russo, Spain’s Mariona Caldentey and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw.
Also representing Southern Africa among the nominees is Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current in the United States.
Last year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or was won by Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, who made history by claiming the award for a third consecutive year, following her victories in 2023 and 2024.
Bonmatí is not among this year’s nominees, meaning a new winner will be crowned.
For Banda, winning the award would represent a historic achievement for Zambia and African women’s football.
The ceremony will take place at the London Palladium, beginning at 22:00 hours Zambian time.
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