“I’ve never told the truth about where my Ballon d’Or is... It scares me too much”

Ada Hegerberg made history as the first woman to be crowned with the Ballon d’Or. It was December 3, 2018, when France Football took the step of extending the award to women’s soccer. The Norwegian forward was, without debate, the winner. Years later, she reflects on what that distinction meant in her life and professional career.

“Winning the Ballon d’Or was something huge. I struggled to find the words. I had never even allowed myself to dream of it; the Ballon d’Or felt unattainable for women’s soccer when I was young. Winning it gave me a platform, but also a completely different kind of responsibility, pressure. We have to tell younger players that not everything is beautiful at the beginning. In my case, it was a real lesson.”

“It’s incredible that a Norwegian can win a Ballon d’Or. We’re a country of five million people, not exactly a paradise for soccer. Winter sports take up a lot of space,” she acknowledged. At 30, she understands how difficult it is to lift the Ballon d’Or again, especially after the recent dominance of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí. But she is not ruling it out.

“Yes, but I don’t want to lose myself in the process by saying it too clearly. I know what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or, both individually and collectively. You need 50 goals and to win everything. Then we’ll do the math at the end of the season.”

Hegerberg does not reveal where she keeps that historic trophy: “I’m too afraid to say. It’s so valuable that I’ve never told the truth about where it is. It’s at my home, but I won’t say whether that’s in France or Norway. Just know that it’s safe!”

The Lyon forward has more good news. Her team has reached the Champions League final, set for May 23 against Barcelona. Another chapter in a legendary career that already includes six titles, with her playing a decisive role each time. This one will be even more special, as it will be played at home – in Oslo.

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