Footie star Barbra Banda at centre of gender row controversially named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Barbra Banda of Team Zambia #11 during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

A FOOTIE star at the centre of a gender row has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 due to elevated ­levels of testosterone in a gender test.

She has now topped the Beeb’s poll after her performance at the Olympics in the summer.

But ex-GB swimmer Sharron Davies branded her win “just bloody ridiculous”.

And sailor Tracy Edwards called it “the destruction of women’s sports”.

Banda, who plays for US side Orlando Pride, said: “I am shocked and surprised to have this.

“I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career.

“It is for everyone.”

She added: “I do not like to dwell on the past. I have just to focus on myself.

“If I kept on thinking about what was going on in the past, mentally then I would not be where I am right now.

“But I feel like my mind is that strong and I know where I am coming from.”

A BBC spokesman defended her inclusion and said the result was based on a public vote.

Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year