She faces opposition from the holder, Barcelona's Alexia Putellas, and three of the England team that won the Women's Euros. Five of Lyon's Champions League-winning side are also included among the 20 nominees.
In the men's seven times winner Lionel Messi, who won last year, was not listed for the first time since 2005.
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the favourite.
The French international has had an incredible season for Real Madrid, scoring 44 goals in 46 games and helping them win the Champions League and LaLiga.
Other nominees among the 30 announced by organisers France Football magazine on Friday include Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland - who has just joined the club from Borussia Dortmund - and last season's joint Premier League top scorer Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and fellow England international Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund are among the nominees for the Kopa Trophy for the best players aged 21 and under.
The Premier League is well represented in the shortlist for the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, meanwhile, with Man City's Ederson, Alisson Becker of Liverpool, Chelsea's Edouard Mendy and Hugo Lloris of Tottenham joining Courtois on the 10-man shortlist.
The awards, to be presented in October, are now based on a regular season from August to July rather than a calendar year.
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