Zambia captain Barbra Banda has continued to make history on the global stage after earning a place in the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for the third consecutive year.
The Orlando Pride forward becomes the first African woman to achieve three successive selections in the prestigious team, having previously been recognised in 2024 and 2025.
Banda’s latest inclusion further cements her status among the world’s elite women’s footballers and reinforces Zambia’s growing presence in international women’s football.
The 2026 selection features some of the biggest names in the women’s game, including Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina, England’s Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze and Ella Toone, as well as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Notably, Banda is the only African player in this year’s final team, underlining the significance of her achievement on a continent where women’s football continues to gain recognition and visibility.
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 is particularly prestigious because it is decided exclusively through votes cast by professional footballers, making it a recognition of excellence by fellow players.
