Hegerberg Leads OL Lyon’s…

With a revamped roster at OL Lyonnes and a complete rebranding (previously Olympique Lyonnais Féminin), along with their permanent relocation to the 59,186-seater Groupama Stadium, certain constants persist: death, taxes, and Ada Hegerberg finding the net.

She netted her 67th goal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) during a 3-0 victory against St. Pölten on Matchday 2. Although she was upstaged by a remarkable long-range goal from Lily Yohannes</, the competition’s all-time leading scorer at 30 continues to shine.

“The Champions League is just on another level,” Hegerberg remarked to ESPN. “It brings an adrenaline rush that’s hard to put into words.”

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Remarkably, Hegerberg has been the leading scorer in the competition for six years, breaking Anja Mittag’s former record of 51 goals in 68 appearances back in 2019. She reached that tally in just 49 appearances before surpassing it with a brace in her very next match. Today, she stands apart from her competitors with a total of 63 goals: 58 for OL Lyonnes, complemented by two each from her time with Stabaek and Turbine Potsdam.

During her tenure with OL Lyonnes, Hegerberg has claimed the French League championship 10 times and lifted the UWCL trophy six times. In 2018, she made history as the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Ballon d’Or. Her career achievements, however, extend beyond personal accolades and titles.

Throughout her journey, Hegerberg has utilized her platform to advocate for advancements both on and off the field. From 2017 to 2022, she abstained from representing Norway, citing inadequate progress regarding equal working conditions and support for the women’s program in her country. In her vision for the UWCL, she emphasizes the need for innovation, competition, long-term investment, commitment, and creative thinking to elevate the sport.

“We need a fresh approach, perhaps distinct from traditional men’s football,” Hegerberg states. “Michele Kang, the owner of OL Lyonnes, Washington Spirit, and London City Lionesses, brings exciting ideas to foster a unique identity for women’s football, complete with its own audience and playing style.”

Kang succeeded Jean-Michel Aulas, the founder of the club’s women’s division, in 2023, establishing OL Lyonnes as an independent entity from the men’s team. Her initiatives go beyond just financial investment; while the frequent resetting of the women’s transfer record, which saw changes four times in 2025, signifies positive momentum, comprehensive progress is still necessary.

“It’s a facet of the game,” Hegerberg remarks. “However, there are other critical areas that demand our attention to further the sport’s development.”

Indeed, Hegerberg has previously shared how her childhood sporting idols were predominantly male. Yet now, at 30 years old, her perspective has transformed. Rather than merely emulating past athletes, she finds inspiration in those who maintain excellence over time.

“There are countless female athletes with remarkable stories, but they rarely receive the attention they deserve,” she observes. “Many women champions continue to excel across different sports. I’ve started following long-distance runner Faith [Kipyegon] and have immense admiration for her, along with tennis icon Serena Williams and golfer Nelly Korda.”

“I want to connect with tough female athletes, since we share common ground. In the past, my focus was primarily on male role models in football, but I’ve since shifted to find motivation from inspiring women athletes. It feels more aligned with my journey.”

Being inspired by these figures fuels her motivation to score goals and maintain her position in OL Lyonnes’ starting lineup, especially with a wave of high-profile new signings.

“I’ve never considered it pressure from others; I’ve focused on my own pursuit,” she states. “I continually aim for new goals, challenging myself daily during training to enhance various facets of my game and keep my competitive edge.”

This marks Hegerberg’s 11th season at OL Lyonnes, a club currently embracing a new chapter. Their prestigious history includes 18 French league titles and eight UWCL victories from 2010 to 2022, during which she contributed to six European titles, notably a staggering five consecutive wins beginning in 2016. This era featured legends like Sarah Bouhaddi, Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, and Eugénie Le Sommer, alongside Lucy Bronze, who shared in three of those titles.

“We made it look effortless, as if we were just cruising through the years,” Hegerberg reflects. “But our training was brutal. We were relentless in our commitment, striving to succeed year after year. Recreating that level of excellence demands immense effort.”

“In women’s football, innovation is vital, and we’re fortunate to have leaders like Jean-Michel and Michele guiding the way. Without their contributions, our current success would have been unattainable.”

Now, Hegerberg sees the return of that “monster” mentality with the current squad. The summer saw the departure of key players like Dzsenifer Marozsán, Sara Däbritz, Daniëlle van de Donk, Le Sommer, and Ellie Carpenter, but they welcomed seven new arrivals, including Jule Brand, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Ingrid Syrstad Engen, and Ashley Lawrence, alongside 18-year-old USWNT standout Yohannes.

“They were significant players and respected figures who dedicated years to this club,” Hegerberg notes. “It’s essential to acknowledge their contributions. A major element of our success lies in our ability to retain world-class talent that has learned to work cohesively. Nonetheless, transitions are inevitable in football.”

Through all the changes, Hegerberg remains dedicated to the club’s ethos: “Nouvelle Histoire, Même Légende.” (New Story, Same Legend.)

“I’ve always viewed this club as a place where I can become the best version of myself,” she declares. “We will always cherish the legacy of Olympique Lyonnais, but now we are OL Lyonnes, embarking on an exhilarating new chapter. It’s our responsibility to build upon this legacy. Though change is challenging, it’s crucial to respect the history while striving for success in this new era.”

OL Lyonnes last claimed the UWCL title in 2022, but under the leadership of Jonatan Giráldez, who steered Barcelona to win the Champions League in 2023 and 2024, there’s renewed optimism for a return to the summit of European football.

“He brings an intense work ethic,” Hegerberg states. “His competitive nature is something I greatly appreciate. He’s already conducting interviews in French, showcasing the commitment and leadership we value at Lyonnes.”

“My hope is that we can collaborate effectively to realize his vision for the team’s development. We need to build our progress step by step; it’s an exhilarating task ahead of us.”

With two wins in their opening two matches—against reigning champions Arsenal and Swiss side St. Pölten—OL Lyonnes is off to a promising start, but the road is just beginning.

“It’s been a while since we last lifted the trophy, so serious commitment will be necessary this season to return to the top,” Hegerberg cautions. “The path ahead won’t be easy, but if we dedicate ourselves to long-term team building, it should yield positive results. Winning another title would bring an overwhelming sense of achievement this season.”