Barbra Banda on World 11: "Being voted by fellow players means a lot"

• Since 2015, FIFPRO has invited women's footballers to choose their World 11
• After being named in the 2025 edition, Banda became the first African player to collect back-to-back Women’s World 11 trophies
• Over 6,000 women’s footballers from around the globe voted for their world team of the year, which was revealed in November 2025

Orlando Pride and Zambia striker Barbra Banda said being named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for a second time "means a lot" after receiving her trophy on Tuesday.

Over 6,000 women’s footballers from around the globe voted for their world team of the year, which was revealed on 3 November 2025, in which Banda was one of the side’s forwards.

Since 2015, FIFPRO has invited women's football players to choose their World 11. It is the only global player award decided exclusively by footballers.

After being named in the 2025 edition, Banda became the first African player to collect back-to-back Women’s World 11 trophies. Banda was presented with her World 11 trophy by NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke.

"It means a lot to me, being voted by my fellow players," said Banda. "I want to say thanks to all the players who voted for me. I’ll keep working hard!"

Banda’s focus will shift next month to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off on 17 March. Banda’s Zambia will face Egypt in their opening match on 18 March, before additional group-stage games against Nigeria and Malawi.

Banda said: "WAFCON means a lot to me and so does my country, representing Zambia and wearing that shirt, wearing that badge – it means a lot."

2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11

Goalkeeper

Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)

Defenders

Ona Batlle (Barcelona, Spain)
Millie Bright (Chelsea, England)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)

Midfielders

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Ghizlane Chebbak (Badalona / Al Hilal, Morocco)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)

Forwards

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City / Arsenal, England)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)

How did the voting work?

Professional footballers from across the globe cast their votes via a secure digital platform distributed by FIFPRO and its affiliated player unions.

Voting covered performances between 11 August 2024 and 3 August 2025, with players required to have made at least 20 official appearances during that period.

Each voter selected three standout players in each of four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward.

The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the most votes earned selection, while the 11th spot was awarded to the next highest-ranked outfield player overall.