Former world footballer Ada Hegerberg has made a sparkling three-goal comeback in the Norway national team. After a break of almost five years, the first Ballon d’Or winner scored in the 21st, 23rd and 60th minute in the 5-1 (3-0) win against Kosovo in the World Cup qualifier on Thursday (April 7th, 2022).
Hegerberg, who used to be active at Turbine Potsdam, withdrew from the national team after the 2017 European Championships, citing the imbalance between men and women in association bonuses as the reason.
“I don’t regret my decision back then”
“I made a decision at the time that I don’t regret. But I’ve had a lot of time over the past two years to reflect on many aspects of my life.”, emphasized the striker of the French record champions Olympique Lyon when announcing her return. Hegerberg had been out for a long time due to a serious knee injury.
“Ballon d’Or feminine“Winner Hegerberg had publicly expressed harsh criticism of the association after the EM disaster in 2017 – Norway was eliminated with no points or goals. “Football is the most popular sport in Norway for girls and boys and has been for years, but at the same time girls don’t have the same opportunities as boys. We stopped talking about development and other countries overtook us.”the 26-year-old said to the “Guardians“.
Harsh criticism of the Norwegian association
She also complained about the lack of respect in her opinion for women’s football in the association. Since then she has refrained from making further appearances for the two-time European champion. After stays with the national team, she has that “Felt she would come back to Lyon as a worse player”she declared shortly after her (at least temporary) resignation.
Norway national coach Martin Sjögren reacted with surprise at the decision of his top striker. And also upset: “If she has no motivation to play for the national team, then she shouldn’t play for the national team.” In the meantime, things have calmed down. Everything was “cleared” between them, said the coach.
“Finally with a flag on my chest again”
Ahead of her comeback game, Hegerberg said she was happy to be fighting for the team and fighting for equality again, both on and off the field. “I want to do my part to help us achieve our goals and inspire young girls and boys across the country”she said. “Now I can finally do that again with the flag on my chest.”
Source: oh yes