41-goal Zambian woman becomes second most expensive player in the world on IWD

Barbra Banda in action for Zambia against Germany

41-goal Zambian woman becomes second most expensive player in the world on IWD

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:42 - 08.03.2024

Zambia's Barbra Banda has joined international teammate Racheal Kundananji to become two of the most expensive women's players in the world.

Zambian striker Barbra Banda has completed a historic move to the National Women's Soccer League after joining Orlando Pride in a record $740,000 deal from Shanghai Shengli.

Pulse Sports reports that Banda's lucrative switch makes her the second most expensive player in women's football history, following her international teammate Racheal Kundananji's $787,600 transfer to Bay FC in February.

Another Zambian makes history on IWD

According to a report from the Guardian, the 23-year-old target woman heads to the NWSL as one of the hottest properties in the game on the back of her jaw-dropping exploits at the Tokyo Olympics.

Her free-scoring form in Japan capped an incredible rise as she went on to score an astonishing 41 goals in just 51 games for Shanghai having joined from Spanish club EDF Logroño in 2020.

Zambia captain Barbra Banda | Imago

Banda was crowned the Chinese Super League's Golden Boot winner in her debut campaign and her sustained brilliance has now earned a dream move to the NWSL.

After putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the US side, Banda spoke of her "humbling" pride at joining one of the world's top leagues.

Barbra Banda in action for Zambia against Germany

"It's one of the most competitive and strongest leagues so it's humbling to get this chance," she said per the report. "Since my first meeting with the club, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

"I can't wait to meet my new teammates and start working with them. I hope to help the team in my small capacity to do great things and win trophies together."

Barbra Banda is now the second most expensive player in the world.
Barbra Banda is now the second most expensive player in the world.

With Banda spearheading their attack, OL Reign will have every reason to believe they can challenge for NWSL supremacy this season and end their wait for a first league title.

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