Zambian footballer Barbra Banda has made history by becoming the second most expensive female player in the world.
The Orlando Pride, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League, secured her transfer from the Chinese Super League’s Shanghai Shengli for a hefty $740,000 fee.
This deal follows the record-breaking transfer of Banda’s Zambian teammate, Rachel Kundananji, to the National Women’s Soccer League expansion team Bay FC last month.
Banda’s four-year contract with the Pride is valued at approximately $2.1 million, placing her among the highest-paid players in the league.
Additionally, Shanghai Shengli will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee for Banda due to a sell-on clause in the contract.
This signing underscores the growing prominence of African women’s football, with many African players now competing in top leagues such as the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States.