Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg was announced as the first ever winner of the women's Ballon d'Or and gave an empowering speech to encourage more girls to play football.
On receiving the award in Paris, Hegerberg, a Champions League winner and Norway international said: "I would like to say a huge thanks to France Football, for letting us have this opportunity to have this award.
"It is a huge step for women's football and the work you have put down is such an important thing for women's football and together we will make a difference.
"I would like to end this speech, with some words to young girls all over the world. Please believe in yourself."
In a separate development, the co-host of the award ceremony, French DJ, Martin Solveig was forced to apologise after he asked Hegerberg, if she knew how to twerk as she left the stage.
Accompanied by a video apologising further to Hegerberg, Solveig wrote on Twitter: "Sincere apologies to the one I may have offended.
I explained to @AdaStolsmo the buzz and she told me she understood it was a joke. Nevertheless my apologies to anyone who may have been offended. Most importantly congratulations to Ada pic.twitter.com/DATdg0TfQk
— Martin Solveig (@martinsolveig) December 3, 2018
"My point was: I don't invite women to twerk but dance on a Sinatra song. Watch the full sequence.
"People who have followed me for 20 years know how respectful I am especially with women."
Three-time Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton was one of those to condemn his actions, commenting on a video of the incident, writing "Wtf?"
Solveig confirmed that he spoke to Hegerberg after the ceremony.
He posted a picture of the pair embracing and wrote: "I explained to @AdaStolsmo the buzz and she told me she understood it was a joke.
"Nevertheless my apologies to anyone who may have been offended. Most importantly congratulations to Ada."
