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Former American women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe defended Barbra Banda, who was named the BBC's female footballer of the year despite controversy over the game's eligibility in Africa.
Banda has withdrawn from Zambia's squad for the African Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco after failing to meet gender eligibility requirements in 2022, the BBC reported earlier. Banda was cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics and became the second leading scorer in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) this season playing for the Orlando Pride.
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Megan Rapinoe attends the women's gold medal match between France and the United States at the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024. (Images by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Although failed eligibility reportedBanda was still announced as the winner of the award, while transgender inclusion in women's sports has become a hot-button issue in the US and abroad.
Rapinoe spoke in a post on her leaked Instagram Stories.
“You have thrilled, entertained and inspired us and the world all year,” Rapinoe wrote on Friday, via Goal.com. “It is as well deserved as any part of your success. You stand a lot taller than the little people who try to knock you down.''
The 2024 season with the Pride was Banda's first, scoring 13 goals in 22 games.
Barbra Banda of Zambia celebrates after scoring a goal against Costa Rica during the FIFA Women's World Cup at Waikato Stadium on July 31, 2023. in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Orlando went 18-6-2 and won the NWSL Championship for the first time in league history. Banda scored the only goal of the match.
Rapinoe is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and trans inclusion in women's sports.
she said in July 2023 she would support a transgender athlete on the US women's national team.
“Absolutely,” she told Time magazine last year. “'You are taking the place of a 'real' woman,” is the part of the argument that is still extremely transphobic. I see trans women as real women. What you automatically say in the argument – you kind of say to yourself already – don't you believe these people are women.
Team USA's Megan Rapinoe during the match against Australia at the Tokyo Olympics on July 27, 2021. in Kashima, Japan. (Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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“Therefore they take the other seat. I don't feel it.”
Fox News' Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.
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