Tanaka has long been one of the league's best forwards, but this is the first time the 24-year-old has been voted the league MVP, a worthy reward for leading NTV Beleza to their fourth consecutive league title.

"It is more than a happy feeling to receive such a wonderful award," Tanaka told Nikkan Sports. "This is the team's award and It is thanks to everyone and everyone who is supporting me."

As part of the launch, Matildas stars Lisa De Vanna, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo joined FFA Chief Executive Officer, David Gallop AM, at the Sydney Harbour.

De Vanna, who has amassed a remarkable 142 caps and 45 goals for Australia since her debut in 2004, became the first Australian to submit her support for Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Bid via AusBid2023.com.

De Vanna urged all Australians to join her in pledging support for the Bid, and said that should Australia earn hosting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 she’s sure the tournament would leave a lasting legacy for the nation and football.

Wang found the back of net for Paris Saint-Germain in the 80th minute of their Round of 16 first leg tie against Swedish champions Linköping, to help the French side to a 2-0 away win and claim a piece of Chinese football history.

The 23-year-old is the 18th Asian player to score in Europe's biggest women's club competition.

Her notable goal means the Steel Roses star has now found the back of the net three times for the Parisian club since joining on a two-year deal from Wuhan in August.

Kerr and Kumagai are joined by another 13 of the best players in the world in the nominations, chosen by editorial staff of French publication France Football.

The 2018 edition of the Ballon d'Or is the first in the award's 62-year history that will recognise female footballers and the nomination is an honour for both players as they buildup to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France.

The ceremony to announce the winner will take place in Paris on December 3.