'Ridiculous!' - USWNT boss Emma Hayes & Megan Rapinoe defend Barbra Banda after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's 'spit in women's faces' attack on Orlando Pride striker

The Orlando Pride star received the most votes from BBC Sport readers, edging out Aitana Bonmati, Naomi Girma, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Sophia Smith this week. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling then accused the BBC of "spitting directly in women's faces" on X (formerly Twitter), in relation to the Zambia international missing the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests. Amid this social media storm, United States women's national team boss Hayes and ex-player Rapinoe have come to the aid of Banda.

Hayes told reporters: "Barbra Banda is an amazing football player. “It is ridiculous that she has to endure questions like this, to be quite honest with you. She has our support. She’s someone who’s done a tremendous amount, not just for her club but for her country, and what a brilliant season she’s had. We should be talking about that, the impact she’s had on the NWSL. We saw it first-hand in the Olympics – wow, the way she stretches the line, her ability. I speak so highly of her because, in the women’s game, we talk about all the top players that come from more traditional nations and I think it’s great that we see such quality coming out of Africa. I know my assistant coach [Lisa Cole, an adviser to the Zambia women’s national team] coached her at Zambia and talked about what an amazing person she is, so she has our full support. And quite frankly, I’m disappointed when I hear a lot of these things being said.”

Ex-USA international Rapinoe wrote in an Instagram story: "You've thrilled, entertained and inspired us, and the world, all year long. 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."

Banda won the BBC award after scoring four goals for Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming Africa's all-time top scorer in Olympic history with 10 goals in the process. The 24-year-old also scored 17 goals for Orlando Pride last season, helping them to National Women's Soccer League glory.

Amid this fallout from the award, Banda will now enjoy her off-season break. On receiving the accolade, she told BBC Sport: "I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side. I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career - my family, my national team in Zambia and especially the Pride team. It is for everyone."