Ada's international absence a tale of acrimony and intrigue

OSLO - Ada Hegerberg's global star status was confirmed as she won the inaugural women's Ballon d'Or last week, and yet back home in Norway she also stands out for her ongoing absence from the national team ahead of the World Cup.

The 23-year-old aptly wore a gold dress as she picked up the prize at the ceremony in Paris, joining men's winner Luka Modric and best young men's player Kylian Mbappe on stage with her trophy.

A panel of soccer journalists from around the world vote for Hegerberg on the strength of her prolific form for French club Lyon, with whom she has won three consecutive Champions League titles.