Orlando Pride Forward Barbra Banda Ruled Out for the Season
Orlando Pride have confirmed that Zambian international forward Barbra Banda has been placed on the Season Ending Injury List following a soft-tissue injury sustained in the club’s recent match against Kansas City Current.
“We are devastated to announce Barbra Banda has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list,” said Haley Carter, Orlando Pride Vice-President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director. “Barbra has been instrumental to our success and losing a player of her calibre is heartbreaking for the entire organisation. We are committed to providing her with the highest level of care and support throughout her recovery. Her contributions both on and off the pitch have been immeasurable, and we know she will approach her rehabilitation with the same determination and professionalism she brings to everything she does.”
Since joining the Pride in 2024, Banda has become one of the standout performers in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), scoring 25 goals and registering seven assists in 41 matches across all competitions.
The 2024 NWSL Championship MVP has twice been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, while also being a finalist for the overall NWSL MVP award in 2024 and securing a place in the NWSL Best XI First Team. Banda was further recognised globally with selection to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 and was voted the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
The loss of Banda, regarded as one of the world’s elite forwards, is a major blow to Orlando Pride as they continue their 2025 campaign.
