Nadeshiko Japan striker Nahomi Kawasumi was shocked by her nomination for the FIFA Women's Player of the Year award on Friday.
Japan captain Aya Miyama was also in the shortlist of 10, with Norio Sasaki being nominated for the World Coach of the Year for Women's Football. Under-17 national coach Asako Takemoto was also shortlisted.
"I never expected it," Kawasumi said on the eve of Japan's friendly against Canada. "It's so farfetched that even though I've actually been shortlisted, I'm like, 'Oh.' "
Kawasumi and Miyama were nominated alongside former winners Abby Wambach of the United States and Marta of Brazil.