Ada Hegerberg: A Beacon of Excellence at OL Lyonnes
In the face of significant transformations at OL Lyonnes, the enduring excellence of Ada Hegerberg continues to shine through. As the club rebrands from Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and relocates to the expansive 59,186-seater Groupama Stadium, the star striker not only ranks as the top goal scorer in UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) history but also remains a driving force at 30 years old. During their recent emphatic 3-0 victory over St. Pölten, Hegerberg scored her remarkable 67th goal in the competition, a feat overshadowed by a stunning strike from American teenager Lily Yohannes.
“The Champions League is just next-level,”
she shared with ESPN, emphasizing the unmatched thrill it brings.
Historic Achievements and Advocacy
Hegerberg’s journey within the UWCL has been nothing short of historic. Surpassing the prior record of 51 goals by Anja Mittag in 2019, she achieved this feat in just 49 appearances. To date, Hegerberg has netted 63 goals—58 for OL Lyonnes, along with contributions from Stabaek and Turbine Potsdam. With OL Lyonnes, she has claimed ten French league titles and six UWCL crowns, in addition to being the inaugural recipient of the Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2018.
Her influence extends beyond just numbers; Hegerberg has leveraged her prominence to advocate for women’s rights in sports. Between 2017 and 2022, she refrained from playing for the Norwegian national team, pushing for better working conditions and increased support for women’s soccer in her country. Her vision for the UWCL includes a call for innovation and investment, aiming for a unique identity for women’s football.
“It’s essential to develop a new formula, one that acknowledges the game’s distinct nature compared to men’s football,”
she stated, highlighting the exciting vision of Michele Kang, the new owner of OL Lyonnes, who has taken significant steps to elevate the women’s game.
New Leadership and Future Aspirations
Taking over from Jean-Michel Aulas in 2023, Kang has helped establish OL Lyonnes as a separate entity from its male counterpart. Hegerberg notes that while financial investments are crucial, there is a need for further focus on various areas to cultivate the sport’s development comprehensively.
“It’s part of the game,”
she said about transfer record changes,
“but we should direct our attention toward more vital aspects.”
Reflecting on her own evolution, Hegerberg admits she seeks inspiration from female athletes rather than the male athletes she admired in her early years. Now, she quotes long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon and tennis great Serena Williams as role models who exemplify longevity and excellence in their fields.
As OL Lyonnes enters a promising new chapter with a roster reshuffle that has seen numerous key players depart and new talents, including Jule Brand and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, join, Hegerberg retains an unwavering focus on performance.
“I’ve always been the one chasing goals rather than being chased,”
she asserts, embodying the competitive spirit that has defined her career. The club’s illustrious past, with numerous accolades achieved between 2010 and 2022, serves as a foundation for Hegerberg’s aspirations for the future.
Resilience and the Road Ahead
Despite the departure of prominent figures, she emphasizes the importance of resilience within the team.
“Recreating that success requires immense effort. We are beginning to foster a new ‘monster’ mentality in training,”
she argues, pointing to the necessity of leadership figures like Kang and prior owner Aulas in guiding the club’s trajectory.
As OL Lyonnes commenced the current UWCL season with victories against formidable opponents, including Arsenal and St. Pölten, Hegerberg recognizes the challenges ahead. Under new head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who previously led Barcelona to consecutive Champions League titles, the team is filled with renewed hope. She admires his competitive nature and leadership, indicating an optimistic outlook as they advance.
While she stands proud of being considered a part of OL Lyonnes’ legacy, Hegerberg is aware that “Nouvelle Histoire, Même Légende” (New Story, Same Legend) is a mantra they must uphold as they evolve. Her commitment to this new era is evident, and she acknowledges that achieving renewed success in women’s soccer will require a collective effort akin to the historical dedication of the club’s legendary players. As the quest for another UWCL title begins, Hegerberg believes it will require sustained dedication and smart development to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of European football this season.
