Sixty-two years after Stanley Matthews won the first Ballon d’Or the women’s game received its inaugural winner: it wasn’t Australia’s Sam Kerr but trailblazing Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg. • Host DJ Martin Solveig has since apologised for his comment • Luka Modric won men’s award to break Ronaldo-Messi duopoly • The 100 best female footballers in the world 2018: part one

Luka Modric ended a decade of dominance by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or but the Croatian’s win was overshadowed when the inaugural winner of the women’s award, Ada Hegerberg, was asked to twerk live on stage by the host DJ, Martin Solveig. Hegerburg claimed the award - voted for by journalists - after seeing off Wolfsburg and Denmark forward Pernille Harder, German midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan, and England and Lyon defender Lucy Bronze. Hegerberg called the award “a huge step for women’s football” and also told The Associated Press she feels “very proud” to be the first Ballon d’Or-winning woman. This is a huge step for women’s football.”

Lyon also won the French title for the 12th season in succession, with Hegerberg top-scoring with 31 goals, and she continues to bang in the goals for her team who are top of the table again this season. It is a fantastic day for women’s football... it is important to show young girls that they can believe in themselves and I hope they are inspired by this. I was just happy to do the dance and win the Ballon d’Or.”

Play Video 1:01 Ada Hegerberg's Ballon d'Or triumph and fight for equality in football – video profile

Hegerberg added she was extremely proud to be named the first female winner.
Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg wins the inaugural Women's Ballon d'Or.