People on Twitter have described their astonishment after Ada Hegerberg was asked to twerk onstage moments after becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

The Ballon d’Or is an annual award presented by France Football to a footballer whose given the best sporting performance throughout the year.

On Monday night, Hegerberg received the esteemed prize at the awards show in Paris.

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After the Norwegian international footballer had collected her award, French DJ Martin Solveig asked her if she knew “how to twerk”.

The DJ’s question has sparked outrage online, with many people expressing their disbelief over the remark.

“First female Ballon d’Or winner for best women’s footballer asked if she can twerk on stage while collecting the reward. Absolute disgrace that,” one person wrote on Twitter.

“No place for blatant sexism in the sport I love.”

“I really hope @martinsolveig also asked Modric if he could twerk,” another person wrote.

“On the plus side I'm glad to see that there are men who are infuriated by this as well.”

One person commented that it was an “utter shame that such an historic moment in women’s football was marred by an unnecessary comment.”

The Twitter user then expressed his admiration for the closing lines of Hegerberg’s acceptance speech, in which she said: “I would like to end this speech with some words to young girls all over the world. Please, believe in yourself.”

Hegerberg made history at the awards ceremony when she became the first female footballer to win the highly regarded Ballon d’Or prize.

Solveig has since said sorry for causing offence, posting a video of his apology on Twitter and writing: “Sincere apologies to the one I may have offended.”

He also shared a photo of the pair together backstage, explaining that Hegerberg “understood it was a joke.”