Ada Hegerberg ends Norway exile and named in squad for World Cup qualifiers

Former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg has ended her five-year exile from the Norway team.

The 26-year-old Lyon forward stopped playing for the national side because of a perceived lack of respect for female players in Norway.

She has been included in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Poland in April.

Hegerberg, who has 38 goals in 66 games for Norway, may play at this summer's European Championship in England.

«It feels incredibly good to be back,» she said.

«I will do my part to help us achieve great things, both on and off the field — for football, for Norway, but not least for the next generation.»

Hegerberg spent 20 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury between January 2020 and October 2021 but is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the women's game.

More to follow.