ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Pride have signed Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda through the 2025 season with a mutual option for 2026.

Chanda is expected to join the Pride following Zambia’s appearance in this summer’s Olympics, the Pride announced Thursday.

Chanda most recently played for Madrid CFF in Spain’s top-division Liga F and was one of three players shortlisted for African Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022.

A fixture on the Zambian national team, the 26-year-old Chanda did not play in the Women’s World Cup last year because of an undisclosed illness before the tournament that required hospitalization.

"Grace had a breakout year in 2022, proving what she is capable of, and we've had our eye on her since the buildup to the Women's World Cup last summer,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “While she navigated tremendous adversity this past year off the field, she has come out of it even stronger and is ready to make an impact. We are excited to bring her to Orlando and are confident in the quality and depth she will add to our midfield and attack. Grace offers added versatility, speed, and technical skill and is tenacity and joy personified on the pitch. We look forward to her arrival and getting her settled in the City Beautiful and can't wait to see her in purple!” 

Chanda has made 31 appearances for Zambia with 19 goals since 2018.

She joins fellow Zambian Barbra Banda on the Pride.

"I am extremely excited to join Orlando. It is a great club, where I will be able to play alongside amazing players, like Marta and Barbra,” Chanda said. “This is a very important step in my life because I have always wanted to play in the NWSL, one of the best leagues in the world. I hope I can adapt quickly so that I can help my teammates and the club achieve greater things together. I’m looking forward to this amazing journey of my life.”