Ada Hegerberg is a Norwegian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in women’s football. Known for her clinical finishing, physical presence, and leadership, she has set records for both Olympique Lyonnais and the Norway national team, and made history as the first-ever Ballon d’Or Féminin winner.
Early Life and Background
Born on July 10, 1995, in Molde, Norway, Ada Hegerberg grew up in Sunndalsøra and later Kolbotn, often playing alongside her older sister Andrine. She quickly rose through the youth ranks, making her senior debut for Kolbotn at age 15 and becoming the youngest player to score a Toppserien hat-trick at 16.
Club Career
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Kolbotn (2010–2011):
Hegerberg debuted at 15, finishing as the club’s top scorer and earning Young Player of the Year honors. -
Stabæk (2012):
She moved with her sister to Stabæk, where she was the league’s top scorer with 25 goals in 18 matches and won the Norwegian Cup, scoring a hat-trick in the final. -
1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (2013–2014):
Hegerberg played in Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga, gaining valuable international experience. -
Olympique Lyonnais (2014–present):
Since joining Lyon, Hegerberg has become a legend, winning multiple Division 1 Féminine titles and a record six UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies. She is Lyon’s all-time leading scorer and has signed contract extensions through 2027, underscoring her importance to the club. Notably, she made a triumphant comeback from a long-term injury in 2021, immediately returning to top form and helping Lyon win more silverware.
International Career
Hegerberg debuted for Norway in 2011, playing a key role in reaching the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 final. In 2017, she stepped away from the national team to protest the lack of support for women’s football in Norway, sparking global debate and advocacy for gender equality. She returned to the national team in 2022, much to the delight of fans and teammates. As of February 2025, she has 88 caps and 49 goals for Norway, making her one of the country’s all-time leading scorers.
Playing Style and Strengths
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Position: Striker (centre-forward, can also play across the front line)
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Key Attributes:
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Exceptional finishing with both feet and head
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Intelligent movement and positioning in the box
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Physical strength and ability to hold up play
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Creative passing and ability to drop deep to support build-up
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Leadership and relentless work ethic, motivating teammates and setting high standards
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Overcoming Challenges
Hegerberg’s career has included significant adversity, most notably a serious knee injury in 2019 that kept her out for over a year. Her determined and successful comeback is a testament to her resilience and mental strength.
Advocacy and Legacy
Off the pitch, Hegerberg is an outspoken advocate for gender equality in football. Her decision to step away from Norway’s national team brought global attention to issues of respect, pay, and investment in women’s sport. She continues to use her platform to push for progress and inspire future generations.
Career Stats (as of May 2025)
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Date of Birth: July 10, 1995
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Age: 29
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Height: 1.77 m
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Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
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Club Honors:
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6× UEFA Women’s Champions League winner
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Multiple Division 1 Féminine titles
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Norwegian Cup winner
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International: 88 caps, 49 goals for Norway
Achievements and Honors
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Ballon d’Or Féminin: First-ever winner (2018)
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UEFA Women’s Champions League: 6 titles with Lyon
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Division 1 Féminine: Multiple league titles with Lyon
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Top Scorer: Numerous seasons in domestic and European competitions
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Norwegian Cup: Winner with Stabæk
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Young Player and Player of the Year awards
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Advocacy: Global role model and leader for equality in sport
Frequently Asked Questions About Ada Hegerberg
How old is Ada Hegerberg?
She is 29 years old, born on July 10, 1995.
What position does Ada Hegerberg play?
She is a striker, primarily a centre-forward, but can play across the front line.
What are Ada Hegerberg’s major achievements?
She is the first Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, a six-time Champions League winner, and a multiple league champion with Lyon.
What makes Ada Hegerberg stand out?
Her clinical finishing, leadership, resilience, and advocacy for gender equality in football.
Conclusion
Ada Hegerberg’s journey from Norway to global stardom is a story of talent, determination, and impact. As a record-breaking striker and vocal advocate for women’s football, she continues to inspire on and off the pitch, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
