The nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin have been revealed, with Zambia’s national team striker, Barbra Banda, earning a nomination for the prestigious award. Banda, widely regarded as one of the most in-form forwards globally, joins other top talents, including last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati, for the ceremony on October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Banda’s remarkable form in 2024, including scoring 12 goals in her first 12 NWSL games and a standout performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has solidified her place as a top contender. She made history by becoming the first player to score three hat-tricks in Olympic women’s football, adding to her legacy after leading Zambia to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Banda is joined by Malawian forward Tabitha Chawinga, also nominated, making a strong representation for African women’s football in the global arena.

Full list of nominees:

• Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
• Lauren Hemp (Man City)
• Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
• Barbra Banda (Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride)
• Tarciane (Houston Dash)
• Manuela Giugliano (Roma)
• Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
• Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich)
• Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona/Arsenal)
• Lauren James (Chelsea)
• Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona)
• Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich)
• Gabi Portilho (Corinthians)
• Tabitha Chawinga (PSG)
• Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
• Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
• Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea)
• Yui Hasegawa (Man City)
• Ada Hegerberg (Lyon)
• Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
• Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
• Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich)
• Khadija Shaw (Man City)
• Grace Geyoro (Paris-SG)
• Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
• Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris-SG)
• Mayra Ramirez (Levante/Chelsea)
• Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
• Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg/Barcelona)
• Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns).