Barbie dolls will honour Matildas soccer star Mary Fowler, tennis champion Venus Williams and seven other athletes as part of a project announced by Mattel.

Fowler announced the news of her look-alike doll in a post on Instagram.

"Super grateful for the opportunity to capture and share a version of myself when I feel my strongest, and most confident," the Manchester City forward said.

The other athletes being depicted as dolls are gymnasts Rebeca Andrade from Brazil and Alexa Moreno from Mexico, Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair, boxer French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and Polish track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda.

"Throughout my career, I've always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie's mission couldn't resonate more deeply with that ethos," said Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles.

Mattel's Krista Berger said the brand wanted to note "the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation".

AP/ABC