Despite leading the line among the premier strikers in the world for years now, Samantha Kerr is yet to pick up a major FIFA honour, the closest being her Asian Footballer of the Year nod in 2007.

She has never been chosen as part of the FIFPro World XI shortlist either, despite the last event occuring in the year of her Asian triumph.

This year, her excellence at domestic and international level has finally been recognised, as she becomes the first Australian to make the 55-woman shortlist. She faces heavy competition, particularly given the US and European slant of the choices.

To give you an idea of just how concentrated the list can be, Lyon, the world's premier superpower in women's club football, has a whopping 13 players selected, while current world champions USA have 14.

Given the World XI lineup is likely to have three forwards, that means Kerr has to be selected as one of the three best of the 15 strikers shortlisted below.

KERR'S FORWARD OPPOSITION

Oriana Altuve (Venezuela, Rayo Vallecano)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, FC Barcelona)
Pernille Harder (Denmark, VfL Wolfburg)
Tobin Heath (USA, Portland Thorns)
Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Sam Kerr (Australia, Chicago Red Stars)
Eugenie Le Sommer (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Lieke Martens (The Netherlands, FC Barcelona)
Vivianne Miedema (The Netherlands, Arsenal, photo)
Alex Morgan (USA, Orlando Pride)
Nikita Parris (England, Olympique Lyonnais)
Megan Rapinoe (USA, Reign FC)
Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil, Orlando Pride)
Ellen White (England, Manchester City)