Sam Kerr will become the W-League’s first ever marquee signing, following in the footsteps of Dwight Yorke, Alessandro Del Piero and Tim Cahill in the A-League, Football Federation Australia has announced on Thursday.

The governing body will support Kerr’s re-signing with Perth Glory through its marquee player fund, which has in the past only been available for A-League clubs, such as Melbourne Victory’s signing of Keisuke Honda for the forthcoming season.

FFA CEO David Gallop has described the decision as critical to the growth of the women’s game in Australia.

“Sam Kerr is truly one of the best female footballers in the world right now and one of the most recognisable sportspeople in Australia and football worldwide,” Gallop said.

“Sam’s reach extends well beyond the football field, as illustrated by her being the current Young Australian of the Year. We truly hope that historic days like today will ensure we create an important legacy for professional female players in the future.”

FFA’s head of women’s football, Emma Highwood was thrilled to have Kerr returning to Australia especially with the FIFA 2019 Women’s World Cup just around the corner.

“Continuing to build significant interest in the women’s game is particularly critical in the next six to eight months as FFA continues to work hard to secure the right to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Highwood said.

“In addition, it is wonderful to have players like Kerr home in Australia in the lead up to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, giving fans a chance to see their heroes in person as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments of their footballing careers.”

Kerr has been an ever-present in the W-League since its inception in 2008, and is the league’s second all-time top goalscorer behind Michelle Heyman with 53 goals.

Kerr has twice won the Julie Dolan medal for the W-League’s best player, and has twice won players’ player of the year, and received the award for goal of the year.