Marta's team in the US signs Zambian star Barbra Banda for R$3.6 million | International football

Orlando Pride, owned by Star Marta and fellow Brazilians Rafael, Luana, Adriana and Angelina, announced the signing of Zambia national team star striker Barbara Banda on Thursday night. In an official statement, the Miami team announced that it paid 740 thousand dollars (R$3.6 million) for Shanghai Shengli of China, the second largest transaction in the history of women's soccer.

Two weeks ago, another American team, Bay FC, broke the game's transfer record by signing fellow Zambian Rachel Gundananji for 805 thousand euros (R$4.3 million), 75 thousand euros for 805 thousand euros (R$4.3 million). Earlier, in January, Chelsea paid 500,000 euros for Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez from Spain to Levante, a record at the time.

Check out the five most expensive transactions in women's soccer history:

• 2024 – Rachel Kundananji (ZAM)805 thousand euros from Madrid CFF to Bay FC
• 2024 – Barbara Banda (ZAM)From Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride, 681 thousand euros
• 2024 – Mera Ramirez (COL)For 500 thousand euros, Levante to Chelsea
• 2022 – Keira Walsh (ENG)460 thousand euros from Manchester City to Barcelona
• 2020 – Pernille Harder (DIN)350 thousand euros from Wolfsburg to Chelsea

Barbara Banda, 23, has signed a contract with the Orlando Pride until 2027.

– I am very excited to join Orlando Pride. The NWSL is one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in the world and to have the opportunity to play here is special. I can't wait to meet my teammates and start working with them. “I hope to help the team do great things and win many titles,” the player told the club's website.

With Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) now has two of the most expensive signings in women's soccer history. The North American League will begin on March 16 with 14 participating teams for the first time, including newcomers Bay FC and the returning Utah Royals.

Finishing seventh last season, one spot below qualifying for the playoffs, the Orlando Pride have become the “home” of Brazilian women in American soccer by investing heavily in strengthening the team in search of its first title in the NWSL. Last year, the arrival of Adriana and Rafael during the season allowed the team to increase its production, but did not have time to enter the playoffs.

This time, apart from Barbara Banda, Orlando Pride signed Angelina, ex-OL Reign and Luana, ex-Corinthian. With Barbara Banda, Miami gets an offensive boost. In 2022, the Zambian striker was the top scorer and champion of Cosafa, the continental competition for South-East African teams, and last year she was adjudged by the IFFHS as the top scorer in women's football in international competitions.