Foord, who started in three of the Matildas four games at the World Cup, was judged by FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) to have shown skill and creativity along with displaying the principles of fair play.

The 16-year-old right winger, who plays her club football with Sydney FC in the W-League, only made her debut for the Matildas in May but has enjoyed a rapid rise.

Former US women's national team coach April Heinrichs, who was part of the FIFA TSG who selected Foord, said the 16-year-old displayed impressive qualities.

“Her coach Tom Sermanni trusted her on the right of midfield and also as a right-sided defender. She has got the potential to become a prototype of a modern full-back who is strong in defence, but one who also thinks offensively,” Heinrichs told fifa.com.

Only players born on or after July 17 1991 were eligible for the award, which emphasises how impressive 16-year-old Foord was in Germany to claim the honour.

Former Germany women's coach Tina Theune, who was also part of the FIFA TSG, added: “We focused on a candidate who played an important role for her team. We chose 16-year-old Caitlin Foord of Australia because she was an integral part of her side.”