They were star prospects aged 18 when Norway last played in the quarterfinals at the Women’s European Championship.

As the ball was crossed into the Italy box by Lisa Naalsund, Norway captain Ada Hegerberg was brought down by Italy centre-back Elena Linari. A penalty was awarded, and Linari was booked. But, as replays quickly showed, Hegerberg had been standing in an offside position when the ball was crossed.

In Norway, a debate is raging about whether Ada Hegerberg should remain in the starting 11 for the knockout phase of Euro 2025. The football star is taking the criticism in stride.

Ada Hegerberg scored in the 66th minute to bring Norway level at 1-1 against Italy. 2 DAYS AGO・UEFA Women's EURO・0:40

The women's game has come a long way since the last time Norway played a knockout game at the Euros, agonisingly losing the 2013 final 1-0 to Germany with a callow, 18-year-old Ada Hegerberg, now team captain,

Norway's football team, led by Ada Hegerberg, showcased unity at Euro 2025 but struggled to maintain consistency, leading to a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Italy. Despite early successes, defensive and midfield issues proved costly.

After five years away from the national team, Ada Hegerberg made her presence felt for Norway on her return as she scored a hat-trick in the team’s 5-1 hammering of Kosovo in Women’s World Cup ...

Ada Hegerberg last played for Norway in 2017 (Photo: Getty) Much of the credit goes to Klaveness, the sports lawyer and former Norway international.