Reggae Girlz striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw says her being nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or award is a sign of the evolution and growth of the women’s game.

Shaw stands alongside Manchester City teammates Lauren Hemp and Yui Hasegawa in what is considered the most esteemed individual honour in the world of football.

Her being nominated follows an impressive season where she finished as the top scorer in the Women’s Super League, despite missing the final stretch due to injury as City fell short of the title on goal difference. Additionally, she was honoured as the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year.

The star forward was also part of the Jamaica team that created history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand by advancing to the Round of 16.

She voiced her astonishment about her nomination, saying: “If someone had told me a decade ago that I would reach this point, I would have chuckled. It highlights how the women’s game is advancing and evolving. While it’s an individual award, having such incredible teammates makes a world of difference in my performance. We all work incredibly hard, and this recognition is a testament to that.”

Shaw also recognized that many of her teammates could have easily been nominated. “So many players on our team could have found their names on that list,” she added. “We dedicate ourselves daily to not just scoring, but our overall improvement as players.”

The group of 30 nominees includes Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona), Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona/Chelsea), Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais) Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais) Lauren James (England, Chelsea),Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona) and Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit).

The men’s list features the likes of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid) and Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid).

The awards ceremony is set to unfold on Monday at the renowned Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.