A Zambian footballer who missed a major tournament over gender eligibility row over high testosterone levels has been named as BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.

Zambia and Orlando Pride striker, Barbra Banda received the most votes from BBC Sport website readers after being included on a five-player shortlist.

Her victory was announced today in a BBC Sport website report.

Second place went to Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati and USA and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith was third.

Banda's inclusion in the running for the annual prize was criticised by women's rights groups because she was previously ruled out of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 over high testosterone levels. 

Banda, 24, said: '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.'

The Women's Rights Network had accused the broadcaster of bringing female sport into 'disrepute' by including Banda on the shortlist.

The five nominees were picked by a panel of experts involved in football across the globe including coaches, players, administrators and non-BBC journalists. 

The corporation's coverage today said: 'This panel did not include any BBC personnel, and the winner was voted for by the public.' 

Banda was left out of Zambia's squad for the Women's African Cup of Nations two years ago with reports at the time claiming she had failed a gender test.

It later emerged she was not tested by tournament organisers but she was omitted pre-emptively when team bosses became aware her testosterone levels exceeded those permitted by the Confederation of African Football.

The former professional boxer, who was registered female at birth, according to the Associated Press, was claimed to have refused to take suppressants to lower her levels out of concerns about potential side effects

An investigation last year by the Telegraph said there was no suggestion that Banda's testosterone levels were 'anything but naturally occurring'. 

Her agent Anton Maksimov previously said it was not true that she had failed a gender test and that she was removed based on an 'evaluation of her physical conditions'.

He said in a statement at the time of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations: 'As her official representative, I can state that Barbra has not been banned or suspended from participating in the current WAFCON by CAF, FAZ, FIFA, or any other governing body.

'She has not undergone and consequently has not failed any "gender verification" or "gender eligibility tests" administered prior to the tournament. Barbra is also perfectly healthy and fit.

'The decision not to currently feature Barbra at the tournament is FAZ’s internal decision based on their own evaluation of her physical conditions before coming to Morocco.

'I reiterate that nothing, no existing regulations that we are aware of, prevents Barbra's participation in the WAFCON 2022. Barbra has not failed any medical tests in this regard either.'