Orlando Pride ‘devastated’ as 2024 NWSL Championship MVP Barbra Banda suffers season-ending injury | OneFootball

Aug 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) works up field in the first half against Racing Louisville FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season with an abductor injury.

The reigning NWSL MVP suffered the injury during a fixture with the Kansas City Current on August 16th.

Banda fired Pride to their first-ever championship last year, but Orlando will be without their star striker as they look to defend their title this season.

How did Barbra Banda suffer her season-ending injury?

Barbra Banda was replaced 15 minutes into last weekend’s 0-0 draw between Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current.

She went down to the ground with an injury following a blocked shot attempt.

The Orlando Pride have been left ‘devastated’ by the news that Banda will miss the rest of the season.

“We are devastated to announce Barbra Banda has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list following the soft-tissue injury she sustained during our recent match against Kansas City Current,” said Haley Carter, vice-president of soccer operations and sporting director.

“We are committed to providing her with the highest level of care and support throughout her recovery.

“Her contributions to this team both on and off the field have been immeasurable, and we know she will approach her rehabilitation with the same determination and professionalism she brings to everything she does.”

The news comes one week after Orlando Pride broke the world record signing for a women’s footballer, after signing Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres for £1.1m.

Barbra Banda’s Orlando Pride career

Barbra Banda joined Orlando Pride in March 2024 for £581,000 from Shanghai Shengli.

At the time, the Zambian striker’s transfer was the second most-expensive in women’s football history.

Since joining the Pride, the 25-year-old has become one of the league’s best players.

She won the NWSL MVP in 2024 after helping the Pride win their first-ever championship.

The 25-year-old scored the only goal in the championship final against the Washington Spirit.

In total, she has scored 25 goals and provided seven assists in 41 games for Orlando Pride. During that time, she has also earned two Ballon d’Or nominations.

Banda is on the 2025 shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award, which includes five England players.

Alessia Russo is one of the favourites to win the award, while the shortlist also includes Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson.