The nominees for the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024 award have been revealed, with five standout players from around the globe in contention. Fans are now invited to vote for their favourite player from the shortlist, which includes Barbra Banda, Aitana Bonmatí, Naomi Girma, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Sophia Smith.
The award, now in its 10th year, was first established in 2015 to celebrate the finest talents in women’s football. Voting closes on Monday, 28 October 2024, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 26 November across BBC World Service platforms.
Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)
Barbra Banda, a 24-year-old Zambian forward, has had a remarkable year both at club and international levels. After rising to prominence during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Banda further solidified her status at the 2023 World Cup. In March 2024, she became the second most expensive player in women’s football when Orlando Pride signed her from Shanghai Shengli for $740,000. Despite joining midway through the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, Banda quickly made her mark, scoring 13 goals and securing second place in the league’s scoring charts.
Banda’s Olympic performances were also historic. She became the first female footballer to score consecutive hat-tricks at the Games and, in Paris 2024, added another four goals to her tally, including a hat-trick against Australia. Banda’s achievements have made her Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football with 10 goals.
Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí has enjoyed another stellar year, playing a pivotal role in both Barcelona’s and Spain’s success. The 26-year-old playmaker helped her club secure an unprecedented quadruple, winning the Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. Bonmatí notched a career-best 19 goals across all competitions and was instrumental in Barcelona’s triumph in the Champions League final, scoring the opening goal in their victory over Lyon. She was also named the competition’s player of the season.
On the international stage, Bonmatí was vital in Spain’s Nations League success, scoring four goals as her team lifted the trophy for the first time. Having already helped Spain win their first World Cup in 2023, Bonmatí is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, a status reinforced by her 2023 Ballon d’Or win.
Naomi Girma, 24, is widely considered one of the best defenders in the world, praised for her leadership and composure on the ball. In 2024, she made history as the first defender to be named the US Women’s Player of the Year. Girma’s defensive prowess was a key factor in the United States’ successful run to Olympic gold in Paris 2024, where she played every minute of the tournament.
Girma’s influence extends beyond the international stage. With her club San Diego Wave, she won the NWSL shield and Challenge Cup, solidifying her reputation as a defensive stalwart.
Caroline Graham Hansen, a 29-year-old Norwegian winger, has long been one of the most underrated talents in women’s football. However, her 2023-24 season for Barcelona made her impossible to overlook. Hansen’s 60 goal contributions in 40 games helped her club secure a quadruple, including a dominant La Liga performance where she claimed the Golden Boot with 21 goals.
Hansen’s flair for creating and finishing key moments was on full display throughout the season. Her crucial goal against Chelsea sent Barcelona to the Champions League final, while her hat-trick in the Supercopa final showcased her match-winning capabilities.
Sophia Smith, at 24, is one of the most prolific forwards in the world. A critical figure in the United States’ Olympic gold-medal-winning campaign in Paris, Smith scored three goals, including a crucial extra-time winner against Germany in the semi-finals. Her penalty in the shootout secured victory for the US in the SheBelieves Cup, earning her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Smith’s club form with Portland Thorns has been equally impressive. She finished the 2023 NWSL season as the league’s top scorer with 11 goals and has already matched that tally in 2024, confirming her status as one of the best strikers in the game.
Fans from across the world can vote for their favourite player until 09:00 GMT on Monday, 28 October 2024. The winner of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024 will be announced on Tuesday, 26 November, live on the BBC World Service and via the BBC Sport website and app.
Each nominee brings a unique set of skills and achievements to the competition, with their performances over the past year leaving an indelible mark on the world of women’s football. Now, it’s up to fans to decide who will claim the coveted title.
