Salisbury will receive the Alex Tobin Medal at the 2017 PFA Players' Awards in Newcastle on September 17. 

The 151-time Australia international will become the first woman to be presented the PFA's most prestigious prize. 

Salisbury represented the Matildas for 16 years between 1994 and 2009. 

She started in Australia's first ever FIFA Women's World Cup match, and went on to appear at the 1999, 2003 and 2007 editions of the competition - the latter two as captain of the side. 

In 2000 she scored Australia's first ever Woman's football goal at an Olympic Games, before captaining the side to the quarter finals in Greece four years later. 

“It’s no coincidence that the success and excitement surrounding the current women’s national team has come directly after Cheryl’s involvement with the game,” said PFA President Alex Wilkinson.

“Cheryl’s dedication and sacrifice, at a time when women’s football wasn’t given the respect it deserves, has left an immeasurable impact on the game and its players.

“Her journey from Lambton juniors in Newcastle to representing Australia more times than any other player – male or female – is absolutely deserving of recognition alongside the other great feats of our game’s most outstanding contributors.”

Salisbury said: “When I found out about it, it was a really surreal feeling. It’s many a time I’ve sat in those crowds and watched somebody else receive those awards, and to be the first woman as well, it an amazing achievement after such a huge career that I’ve had.

“To now have an award, with such great other people that have received this award as well, it’s a very proud moment, and it’s an incredible feeling to be the first female up there as well.