"It is a step forward, women's football is evolving and inequality is shrinking even though there is still room for improvement," France and Olympique Lyonnais defender Wendie Renard told the magazine.
"I've always wanted to see a woman win this prestigious award," Brazil's Marta added.
The Ballon d'Or award was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.
The sport's world governing body will honour the world's best players at its Best FIFA Football Awards on Monday.
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American Carli Lloyd and Lieke Martens from the Netherlands have won the FIFA best player award for women since it was rebranded in 2016.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
