Zambia's Barbara Banda gets her first nomination for 2024 Ballon d'Or

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has made the 30-woman shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or Feminin.

This is Banda's first nomination for the prestigious award.

Prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Orlando Pride new acquisition was joint-top of the National Women's Soccer League leadersboard with 12 goals in 12 games, helping Pride to remain unbeaten through the first half of the season.

At the Olympics, the former Shanghai Shengli striker scored four goals in three matches including a historic hat-trick in the loss against Australia.

After the treble against Australia Banda became the first player in women's football to score three hat-tricks at the Olympic Games.

Her current tournament goal tally now stands at 10, four shy of Cristiane's record (14).

She posts on social media:

"I am very excited to get my first nomination for the Ballon D'or. 

This is not possible without the hard work of my teammates at club and national team plus my coaches and of course each and every one of you support my journey. "