Banda, 24, was named BBC’s Women’s Footballer of the Year on Tuesday after helping lead the Orlando Pride to the double.

Emma Hayes has hit out at the “ridiculous” criticism aimed at Barbra Banda after the Zambia footballer was crowned BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Emma Hayes hit out at “ridiculous” remarks aimed at Barbra Banda following her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year triumph. The Orlando Pride and Zambia forward has been the target of hostile

Banda dazzled on the Olympic stage this summer, and her profile has hit new heights since signing with Orlando Pride in March