Accompanying a photo of Ada Hegerberg – characteristic plait sweeping across the left of her head into a ponytail, a wide grin and the Norwegian flag draped around her shoulders – was a simple message on her social channels: “Heia Norge, long time no see.” After a close to five-year absence, the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or winner is back in the international fold after months of rumours swirling throughout the world of women’s football. “I felt now was the right time,” a relaxed and happy-l...

Accompanying a photo of Ada Hegerberg – characteristic plait sweeping across the left of her head into a ponytail, a wide grin and the Norwegian flag draped around her shoulders – was a simple message on her social channels: “Heia Norge, long time no see.” After a close to five-year absence, the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or winner is back in the international fold after months of rumours swirling throughout the world of women’s football. “I felt now was the right time,” a relaxed and happy-l...