Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg plays down sexism row over 'twerk' request

Paris (AFP) – Women’s Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has played down suggestions her historic victory appeared to be overshadowed after she was asked to perform a ‘twerk’ live on stage at Monday’s ceremony in Paris.

The 23-year-old Norwegian striker was asked if she would perform the sexually provocative dance by the French host DJ, Martin Solveig, and appeared embarrassed as she rejected the request.

Solveig later offered his “sincere apologies” and Hegerberg said he also said sorry to her personally, but she dismissed suggestions that the incident had marred her evening.

“I didn’t feel it was like that at all to be honest and I am sad if people thought about the situation like that,” said Hegerberg, who won the inaugural women’s prize after a prolific year with French club Lyon.

“I think there are a lot of other subjects to discuss if we’re talking about sexual matters.”

She added: “He came to see me after and apologised. The Ballon d’Or is the most important thing.”