Emma Hayes has condemned the 'ridiculous' treatment of Barbra Banda, following the Orlando Pride and Zambia forward's recognition as the BBC women's footballer of the year. The head coach of the US women's national team addressed the wave of online abuse Banda has encountered since her award win. The 24-year-old excelled with four goals at the Olympics this summer and 13 for Orlando in the 2024 season, earning her the NWSL's most valuable player (MVP) title.
The BBC faced criticism for awarding Banda, who won a public vote, amid reports of her failing gender eligibility tests, leading to her withdrawal from the 2018 and 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Banda's agent, club, and the Confederation of African Football have all stated that she did not undergo a gender eligibility test and was withdrawn by the Football Association of Zambia.
'Barbra Banda is an incredible football player,' Hayes remarked before the USA's match against England at Wembley on Saturday. 'It's absurd that she has to face such questions. She has our backing. She's achieved so much, not only for her club but also for her country, and what a phenomenal season she's had. We should be discussing her impact on the NWSL. We witnessed it firsthand at the Olympics—her stretching of the line, her skills.'
JK Rowling and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, known for their vocal opposition to transgender and DSD athletes in women's sports, spearheaded the criticism against Banda's award. Hayes continued, 'I hold her in such high regard because, in women's football, we often discuss top players from traditional nations, and it's fantastic to see such talent emerging from Africa. My assistant coach [Lisa Cole, an adviser to the Zambia women's national team] coached her in Zambia and spoke highly of her character, so she has our full support. Frankly, I'm disheartened by much of the commentary.'
Megan Rapinoe, the retired USA forward, also voiced her support for Banda, stating on social media, 'You've captivated, entertained, and inspired us, and the world, all year. This recognition is well-deserved, as is every aspect of your success. You stand far above those trying to diminish you.'
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