The 24-year-old striker, who has scored three times against Brazil in the past week alone, was overlooked in favour of American midfielder Carli Lloyd, Venezuelan teenager Deyna Castellanos and Lieke Martens, who helped Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title.

Kerr received a raft of support on social media from various personalities involved in the sport, with many suggesting she deserved to make the shortlisted top-three.

USA player Kelley O'Hara and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams were equally as shocked.

Football Federation Australia's website echoed the sentiments of Kerr's peers, fans and supporters, calling the omission a "major shock".

"The Kerr snub comes as a huge surprise given her red-hot form for both club and country over the last 12 months," an article published online overnight said.

The athlete, who is renowned for celebrating her goals with a backflip, took out the W-League's best and fairest award, the Julie Dolan Medal, after her 10-goal haul led her Perth Glory team to the grand final.

Earlier this year she became the National Soccer League's all-time leading scorer and equalled Kim Little's record 16 goals for most goals in a single season.

She also netted a first-half hat-trick for the Matildas against Japan at last month's Tournament of Nations.

On the men's front it was a case of the usual suspects with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar nominated as finalists.

Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to a second consecutive Champions League title and finished as the tournament's top scorer with 12 goals earlier this year.

Messi and Neymar claimed the Spanish King's Cup with Barcelona with the former finishing as La Liga's top scorer with 37 goals last season.

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon was shortlisted for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award after leading the Italian club to a sixth successive Serie A title, a third-straight Italian Cup success and a runner-up finish in the Champions League.

He was joined by Real Madrid shot-stopper Keylor Navas and Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea's Antonio Conte and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri were on the shortlist for the Best FIFA Men's Coach award.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on October 23.

with Reuters