Hotshot Hegerberg brushes off 'twerk' furor on historic night

PARIS - Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg said the introduction of a women's Ballon d'Or was a "big step forward" for the game, playing down suggestions her historic victory was overshadowed after being asked to perform a 'twerk' live on stage.

The Lyon star - whose prolific scoring helped the French club secure a third straight Champions League victory - edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the inaugural prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

But the 23-year-old appeared embarrassed and disgusted when asked if she would perform a sexually provocative dance by host Martin Solveig, a French DJ and music producer.