Barbra Banda Celebrates Third Straight FIFPRO Women’s World11 Selection

Barbra Banda says her latest FIFPRO Women’s World11 selection feels especially meaningful, after becoming the first African woman to earn a place in the team for three consecutive years. The Zambia captain and striker shared her reaction on Facebook, saying she was grateful to receive recognition from fellow professionals. The 2026 team was selected by 6,511 women footballers around the world, making the honour a vote from players rather than a panel of outside judges. Banda is the sole African named in this year’s World11 and the only player based outside England and Spain to make the selection, according to the report. Those two countries account for most of the team, with five players apiece. Among the other names highlighted are England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, who is making a record ninth appearance, and Barcelona midfielders Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Banda’s post struck a grateful note as she reflected on the scale of the vote and the significance of being chosen by her peers. The report describes the World11 as the only global football award decided exclusively by players. The recognition adds another milestone to Banda’s run of selections, while also putting her in a distinct position as the only African representative in the 2026 lineup.