Grace Chanda Bio
Grace Chanda is a Zambian professional football midfielder who plays for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Zambia national team. She previously played in Zambia with ZESCO United and the Red Arrows, in Kazakhstan with BIIK Kazygurt, and in Spain for Madrid CFF. Chanda was nominated for African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2022 and is noted for her goal-scoring prowess.
Early Life and Background
Grace Chanda was born on 11 June 1997 in Kasama, Zambia. Growing up, she was exposed to football at an early age, which laid the foundation for her future career. Chanda’s passion for the sport led her to pursue opportunities to develop her skills and compete at higher levels.
Path to Soccer
Chanda began her professional career in 2015 with ZESCO United, where she quickly made a name for herself. She demonstrated exceptional talent, scoring an impressive 86 goals in just 26 matches during her time with the club. This early success set the stage for her transition to the broader football landscape, where she would continue to excel and gain recognition.
Grace Chanda Career
Early Career (2015–2020)
In her early career, Grace Chanda played for ZESCO United from 2015 to 2020, where she established herself as a prolific goal scorer. In 2021, she signed with Red Arrows, where she won the golden boot for the season, scoring 35 goals and earning the title of FAZ Women’s Player of the Year. This recognition highlighted her growing reputation in women’s football.
Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Chanda’s breakthrough came during her time with BIIK Kazygurt in 2022, where she made headlines by scoring a hat-trick on her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut. This achievement made her the first Zambian women’s footballer to accomplish such a feat. Later that year, she signed with Madrid CFF, where she continued to impress with her performances, contributing to the team’s success in Spain’s top division.
Notable Works and Milestones
Grace Chanda’s signature work includes her outstanding performances in various leagues, particularly her goal-scoring achievements and her pivotal role in helping Zambia qualify for their first Olympic Games. Her individual accolades, such as being nominated for African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, further underscore her impact on the sport.
Grace Chanda Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Grace Chanda has received several nominations, including being shortlisted for the African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, recognizing her exceptional contributions to women’s football.
Grace Chanda Awards Won
Grace Chanda has won the FAZ Women’s Player of the Year award in 2021, highlighting her outstanding performance in the Zambian league and her influence on the field.
Grace Chanda Family
Information regarding Grace Chanda’s family is not publicly available, as she has kept her personal life private.
Personal Life
Grace Chanda admires American striker Alex Morgan, considering her a football idol. This admiration reflects Chanda’s aspirations and the influence of prominent players on her career.