When you light up the sky, some will applaud, while others will cast clouds. That’s what happened to Barbra Banda. Her 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year honor, earned through an unforgettable season with Orlando Pride, quickly became overshadowed by social media attacks harking back to a 2022 controversy. In a show of solidarity, support poured in from Emma Hayes, and Megan Rapinoe and the most notable of them was the fact that the Zambian army came to her ‘defense’.

To provide context, author JK Rowling accused BBC of ‘spitting in women’s faces’ after Banda won the award, who once failed to meet the testosterone levels for Confederation of African Football guidelines, which saw Banda not play in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In contrast, The Zambian Army promoted Banda to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII).

Zambia Army Commander Lt Gen Zyeele promoted Banda along with fellow teammate Racheal Kundananji, in recognition of what they achieved for the sport. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes came to the defense of Banda along with Megan Rapinoe, who has always been a big advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

The Orlando Pride star received the most votes from BBC Sport readers for the award, over the likes of Aitana Bomnati, Naomi Girma, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Sophia Smith. Barbara Banda’s outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she scored four goals, including a hat trick along with a first-ever NWSL title for Orlando Pride played a crucial role in securing her recognition. 

Back in 2022, when she failed the CAF test and was sidelined from the Cup of Nations, the Zambian had no eligibility issues representing her nation in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. The Zambian federation had offered a course of hormone suppression, which Banda rejected over concerns regarding side effects, but there’s a much bigger elephant in the room. 

Flawed testosterone guidelines in Women’s sport?

Women naturally produce testosterone, though the levels may vary from person to person. This factor does not justify the anti-transgender remarks being targeted at Barbara Banda. Especially when a paper led by researchers from the University of Colorado-Boulder showcased the flaws in the system. 

Despite all the noise, Barbra Banda remains joyful over winning the laureate. “I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side. I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career – my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially the Pride team. It is for everyone.” she told BBC Sport. 

While the controversy collapsed her move to Real Madrid in 2022, Barbra Banda has no regrets since joining the Orlando side. She finished this season as the second-highest scorer in the NSWL and scored the winner in the finale. With the remarkable form that she’s in, we are sure she will come back even stronger next season and be the ‘pride’ of Orlando.