Ada Hegerberg
First female winner of the Ballon D’Or has her moment overshadowed by being asked if she knows how to twerk by DJ.
Ada Hegerberg, a soccer player for Lyon and Norway accepted the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or after an incredibly successful year in the Champions league but was asked on stage by the French DJ Martin Solveig if she could twerk.
Hegerberg refused and later said the DJ could have asked a better question, also said she did not take the question as an insult.
Solveig came up to her afterwards to apologize and explain himself.
Hegerberg also added that it was still a great night for women and went on to say she hopes the award inspires more girls to take on sports.
She playsw as a forward and is lead scorer with 15 goals for Lyon who won their third National Champions League in a row this year. Her successful season being the reason she was nominated for the new award.
France Football only just introduced the Women’s Ballon d’Or after only having a men’s award since 1956.
Before the DJ’s question, she thanked France football and said, “This is a huge step for women’s football.”
Following the event, the Solveig faced severe backlash by many claiming his question was extremely sexist. He tweeted a video later stating he had not wanted to offend anyone and was sorry. He insisted he always asked guest to dance with him.
The incident has spared discussion on sexism in soccer, along with many other sports.
Andy Murray voiced his opinion in an Instagram story and said, “Why do women still have to put up with that shit. What questions did they ask Mbappé and Modrić? I’d imagine something to do with football.”
Three-time Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton commented on a video of the incident with ‘wtf.’
Lucy Bronze, England defender and Lyon teammate interpreted it as a joke. “The DJ asked each person that won what their dance was but she can twerk, she was lying. It was more of a joke of making her dance” Bronze told BBC.