Season
30 May 2026
Her new life in Lyon (2014)
“I remember arriving with my little French vocabulary book. I was eager to learn quickly because I understood the importance of successful integration in order to perform well and thrive within the team, the city, and the country. It’s about finding the balance between adapting and maintaining your own culture and values. At first, I lived in a tiny apartment, but I was living my best life. Camille Abily would pick me up every day to take me to training, and I was over the moon. We had a truly fantastic group that managed to create a top-notch integration experience.”
Her first season at OL (2014/2015)
“I remember my arrival at OL very well; it was a magical summer. I had the innocence of a young girl, and you could see I was starry-eyed, but I already had ambition. I felt at home from day one. I arrived as a little girl and grew into a woman. From the very first season, I was so well integrated into the team, and I was already starting to develop at the level I wanted. This team was magical; there were some truly great players. During my first year here, we had a slight setback, which was not going further in the Champions League, but otherwise, we had a perfect season. I really worked hard to get involved with the team, and it worked out very well from the start. It was a real pleasure to be part of this team. I quickly realized that it was an exceptional group with very high-level players. There were different cultures, and I think that’s also what made our team what it was. I am proud to have come so young and to be part of such a grand story.”
Her first Champions League (Wolfsburg vs OL, 2016)
“Winning that first final was special. So many things happened in that final. The first goal I scored (12th minute) was magnificent thanks to Pauline Bremer’s great work, and then it’s true that I missed my penalty. When I was young, that was my mindset too; I didn’t overthink things, so when it came to the penalty shootout, I said I wanted to shoot first. I wasn’t afraid of the consequences, and I think that’s what allowed me to push myself beyond my limits. But it’s true that you’re a bit innocent and naive when you’re younger. I also remember the girls telling me afterwards, “Don’t worry, Ada, we’ll do it even if you missed.” I also remember Lotta Schelin telling me, “Don’t worry, we’ll do it,” and we did. It was a dream, and I knew it was going to be hard to win. It’s an incredible feeling. You come to understand its importance with time because when you’re young you quickly want to focus on the next one, so you savor it a little differently. But over the years I’ve learned the importance of winning a trophy like that. But the first one is something I’ll never forget because it really launched all the work I’d done before. I’ve never given up since; it made me want to keep going.”
First Ballon d’Or (2018)
“A great moment for me personally, but also for the club and the team. It rewards the work of an entire team because it’s impossible to win a Ballon d’Or without a shining team. The girls also know that it’s thanks to the work of the whole team. I remember finding out a few weeks before and having so many questions. Being a woman in sport today presents different challenges. Female footballers face things that aren’t just on the pitch, and it takes a lot of courage to face these trials. Fortunately and unfortunately, it’s also our responsibility today to ensure that we leave our sport in better condition. We need women who believe in themselves, who want to work hard to take our place one day. So this first Ballon d’Or was for them, for the new generation.”
Her 4e european title (OL vs Barcelone, 2019)
“Scoring a hat trick in a Champions League final, honestly, it’s one of the craziest moments of my career. I can’t even describe it. The first goal I scored in that match was something I’d been working on with my dad since I was little. Sprinting and maintaining your speed, controlling the ball well, and then following up quickly. We practiced that for years, so to pull it off in a final and score a hat trick is incredible. Back then, we were winning the Champions League regularly; all the hard work, talent, and team spirit that went into it is very rare, and I’d almost say it’s not talked about enough. What was achieved is historic. From time to time, during the season or in the off-season, I watch those matches because they inspire me for what’s to come.”
Her father’s influence, Stein Erik Hegerberg
“My father was exceptional in his approach to the technical side of things. We always had hour-long sessions because we knew we needed an hour to achieve the best possible quality. If we went on longer, the quality wouldn’t be as good, so we always had an hour-long technical session. We did this all the time, even during holidays, at Christmas, and even when I joined Lyon, we continued. It’s these little details that allowed me to develop and improve my game. The goals I score today are also thanks to these details that I’ve been working on since I was little with my father. He really gave me something extra in my career.”
625 jours without playing (2019/2021)
“Everyone goes through tough times in their career. I had almost an entire career without injury before I injured my knee and suffered a stress fracture in my tibia, which was very difficult to manage. I look back on that time with a lot of pride because I proved I was a top-level player to come back. It took a lot of courage, and I also needed the right people around me. It would never have been possible without my family, my friends, my husband, and my agents. I always believed in my comeback. It’s quite incredible because there were so many difficult moments, and I managed to bounce back with a lot of hard work and determination. I’m naturally impatient, but I really learned a lot about myself and my mental strength, and I use that a lot today. It’s a period I would have liked to avoid, but at the same time, it allowed me to learn things I would never have learned anywhere else. Having the courage and discipline to return to the top level is almost more beautiful than a trophy.”
Her 6th Champions League (Barcelone vs OL, 2022)
“That night was pure euphoria. I think it was one of the greatest nights in women’s football. The final was so beautiful. I’ve never experienced such intensity. The stadium was packed with Barcelona fans. There had been some ill-advised comments before the final, and we players stayed focused on the pitch, but I think many people forgot the club’s history before that match. What was great was that we were prepared; we knew our strengths before the game, but we needed a little reminder. Coming back to competition and being rewarded with this trophy is magical. It’s one of my best experiences. What we showed that day is unforgettable. We’re an exceptional group. What a match, honestly, what a final! The intensity, the technical level, the stakes, coming back and proving we were the best team in Europe. But it doesn’t happen by itself; it took hard work. When I watch these images, I also see all the suffering and what it took to get to this point. I was also moved because I saw Mr. Aulas, our president for many years, in the stands. I wouldn’t be where I am now without him. Thanks to him, we were able to build what was undoubtedly the best team in the world for so long. I will never forget the opportunity he gave me to play here for so long. He was a major figure in my career. I also want to thank him because it was an unforgettable time.”
Contract extension (2024)
“Lyon is my home, I had to stay. I told my husband, “Actually, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.” It’s true that this is the first time in my career that it’s lasted this long, but from the beginning, I’ve always seen myself in Lyon. It’s my city. Michele Kang is very ambitious. It’s a new era with a very badass woman. I also want to thank her for believing in me. You can tell she’s a woman who wants to make a difference, to change the dynamic in football, and who wants to reach the top with this team. I think we have some great trophies to go for. We really have potential, and I want to continue playing my best football here. I arrived here as a young girl, and I’ve become a woman. Lyon will always be my home, even after my career. I’m very, very happy to be able to stay and work hard to win more trophies. You have to give your all, and I’m ready to give everything again for my club.”
Photos : Lyubomir Domozetski / Stéphane Guichon / Damien LG
