Megan Rapinoe has never been one to shy away from controversy, and her latest remarks are no exception. The former U.S. women’s soccer icon took to Instagram to celebrate Barbra Banda’s Women’s Footballer of the Year award from the BBC, despite the shadow of a failed sex eligibility test in 2022. Banda, who plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL, has emerged as one of the league’s top scorers, making waves both on and off the field.
The controversy stems from Banda’s withdrawal from Zambia’s squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 after failing to meet the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) sex eligibility requirements. Despite this, Banda was allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics and had a breakout 2024 season in the NWSL, scoring 13 goals in 22 matches and helping Orlando claim its first NWSL Championship.
In a now-expired Instagram Story, Rapinoe lauded Banda’s achievements, addressing critics with her trademark candor. “You’ve thrilled, entertained, and inspired us, and the world, all year long,”Rapinoe wrote, according to Goal.com.“This is so deserved as is every bit of your success. You stand so much taller than the tiny people trying to tear you down.”
Rapinoe, a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and trans inclusion in sports, made it clear that Banda’s accolades should be celebrated rather than scrutinized. The comments come at a time when debates about sex eligibility and transgender inclusion in women’s sports have intensified worldwide.
Banda’s stellar NWSL season
Banda’s performance on the field this season speaks for itself. In her first year with the Orlando Pride, the striker was instrumental in leading the team to an 18-6-2 record and their first-ever NWSL Championship. Banda scored the lone goal in the title match, cementing her status as one of the league’s elite players.
The 2024 season wasn’t just about team success-it was also a personal triumph for Banda. Finishing as the second-leading scorer in the league, she silenced critics with her athletic prowess, even as controversy loomed.
Rapinoe’s support for Banda aligns with her broader advocacy for inclusion. In a 2023 interview with Time magazine, she expressed support for transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, calling out transphobia in the discourse. “I see trans women as real women,” she said, countering arguments that their participation takes opportunities away from cisgender women.
Banda’s Legacy
While the debate around sex eligibility continues, Banda’s accomplishments on the field cannot be ignored. Her ability to perform at the highest level under intense scrutiny has won her admirers across the globe, including one of soccer’s most outspoken icons.
As Banda prepares for another season with the Orlando Pride, her story is likely to remain a lightning rod for larger conversations about inclusivity in sports. With advocates like Rapinoe in her corner, Banda is poised to continue making headlines both for her play and her impact on the broader sporting world.
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