COPPER Queens captain Barbra Banda has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The Orlando Pride star has earned a historic third consecutive nomination, the most by any African Women’s footballer, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most celebrated players on the global stage. Banda is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony set for October 26 in London. The list of nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or was officially unveiled by France Football yesterday. Notably absent from the shortlist was Aitana Bonmati, who had claimed the award for the past three consecutive years. Banda’s nomination comes fresh from breaking the Orlando Pride’s all-time season goals record, underlining her remarkable form over the...