ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2026) – Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was named to the 2026 FIFPRO Women's World 11, FIFPRO announced today. The FIFPRO World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players, with more than 26,000 players from 75 countries voting in this year's edition.
Banda’s recognition marks her third consecutive FIFPRO Women's World 11 selection. The Zambia international became the first African player ever named to the team in 2024 and remains the only African player to earn the honor multiple times. She is also the only NWSL representative named to this year's FIFPRO Women's World 11.
A dominant force in attack throughout the 2026 NWSL campaign, Banda earns her latest World 11 honor after recording 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances for Orlando this season. Her club-leading 21 goal contributions were tied for the fifth-most in a single season in NWSL history, while her 17 goals finished tied for the fourth-highest single-season total in league history. Along the way, Banda established a new Pride single-season scoring record, breaking the previous mark of 13 goals on Sept. 6 against the Houston Dash. The goal saw her surpass the record originally set by Marta in 2017 and matched by Banda during the Pride's championship-winning 2024 season.
To qualify for Women’s World 11 consideration, players must appear in at least 20 official matches. Voters receive a guidance list of approximately 250 players but may select any eligible professional. The team comprises the highest-voted goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, plus the next-highest-voted outfield player.
