Zambian footballer Barbra Banda, previously banned from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations over high testosterone, wins BBC Women's Footballer of the Year. Banda's inclusion sparked controversy due to gender eligibility debates. She thanked her supporters, family, and her club, Orlando Pride, for the recognition.
Zambian footballer Barbra Banda has been named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year despite being previously excluded from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations over concerns about her high testosterone levels. Banda, a striker for Zambia and Orlando Pride, received the most votes from BBC Sport readers, securing the prestigious award ahead of Spain's Aitana Bonmati and the USA's Sophia Smith, who finished second and third, respectively.
Her inclusion on the shortlist sparked criticism from some women's rights groups due to the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility. Banda was controversially excluded from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after her testosterone levels were deemed too high, though no gender test was conducted. She was preemptively omitted based on her physical condition evaluation.
Banda, who was born female and is a former professional boxer, expressed shock and gratitude upon winning the award, thanking her supporters, her family, her national team, and her club, Orlando Pride. Her case has raised ongoing debates on gender and eligibility in women’s sports, but she continues to be a prominent figure in women’s football.
