Steph Catley to be on FIFA 16 cover as Aussie becomes first female footballer to appear on front of EA Sports game

Australia defender Steph Catley has written her name in the history books by becoming the first female player to appear on the front cover of video game series FIFA.

Catley, who featured at the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada, will be on the Australian cover of FIFA 16 alongside Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

In a new initiative by video game developers EA Sports, fans of the popular series are able to vote for who they want to appear next to Messi on the front cover in their particular region.

Australia defender Steph Catley will feature on the front cover alongside Barcelona star Lionel Messi

The 21-year-old Australia defender has said 'it's a dream come true' to feature on the front cover of FIFA

England take on France - who was the Three Lionesses' first World Cup opponent - during a game of FIFA 16

FIFA 16 will also feature 12 women's national teams - including England and Catley's Australia - for the first time.

Catley, who beat off competition from team-mates Kyah Simon and Katrina Gorry,  said of featuring on the front cover: 'Words can’t describe the excitement I’m feeling about being on the cover of FIFA 16, it’s a dream come true.

'It’s been a huge year for the Westfield Matildas and getting this recognition from EA Sports and FIFA fans for all our hard work is a great step forward for women’s football on both a local and global scale.

'I’ve always been a huge FIFA fan and knowing that I will be playable in the game, as well as being on the cover alongside Lionel Messi, is a career highlight for me.'

The 21-year-old defender, who plies her trade at American professional women's side Portland Thorns and Australian outfit Melbourne Victory, was shocked to see the superb level of graphics on the latest installment of the popular game.