Banda Sets Pace in NWSL, Claims First Individual Accolade

Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda has already set the tone for what appears to be another successful season in the USA National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), winning her first individual accolade in 2025.

On the opening day of the season, Banda scored a brace in Orlando Pride’s 6 – 0 win over Chicago to shoot to the summit of the top scorer’s chart.

A certified Barbra Banda banger™️ pic.twitter.com/s2pr4CUTVI
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 15, 2025

Her performance earned her a nomination for Player of the Week, which she ultimately won on her 25th birthday. It’s the first of many individual awards she may receive this season.

Banda was nominated alongside Delphine Cascarino of the San Diego Wave, Angel City’s Alyss Thompson, and Debinha of Kansas City.

Jump on the BandaWagon while you can 💜

Barbra Banda’s brace and assist during Kickoff Weekend earns her the Week 1 Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/XUXAdqpvB8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2025

The poll, which was posted on the league’s official social media pages, saw Banda as the clear favorite in the comment sections, with many followers hailing her impressive performance in Week 1.