Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange has congratulated Jamaican footballer and Manchester City forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw on her nomination for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, pointing out that this is a massive feat for the country and the local sport.

The 26-year-old Spanish Town native was nominated for the award in her position as a striker for the European team. However, it is a historic achievement for Jamaica because she is the first Jamaican international football player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or award.

“Let me take this opportunity to personally congratulate Reggae Girl Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who has been shortlisted for the 2023 women’s Ballon d’Or award. This is a massive moment for the country as this is the first time in Jamaica’s history that a footballer — male or female — has been nominated as one of the best footballers in the world. Good luck with the award,” said Grange in a post on Instagram.

Shaw is described by the Olympics as a standout athlete for Manchester City and the highest-scoring women’s player in a single season for the team. She also came second in last season’s Women’s Premier League Golden Boot race, tallying 20 goals behind Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly, who scored 22.

In addition to her impressive performance on the European team, Shaw captained the Reggae Girlz to the round of 16 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a historic achievement for the country.

She is also Jamaica’s all-time leading goal scorer across both men’s and women’s football, with over 50 goals under her belt.

The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious football award presented annually by French news magazine France Football since 1956. When translated, Ballon d’Or means ‘Golden Ball’ and is awarded to the best men’s and women’s footballers. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Paris on October 30 this year.