Alisha Lehmann: Battling Misconceptions and Championing Women’s Football
Alisha Lehmann, a prominent figure in the world of women’s football, has revealed the profound impact online criticism almost had on her career. The Leicester City star, who boasts a massive social media following exceeding 27 million, has found herself in the spotlight not just for her skills on the pitch but also for her ventures into fashion and lifestyle. This dual presence has, at times, led to misconceptions about her dedication to the sport.
Lehmann’s striking image has consistently garnered media attention, even earning her a spot on the runway at Milan Fashion Week last year. However, this widespread public attention has also brought a wave of criticism, with many questioning her commitment to being a professional athlete. This was particularly evident when she transferred to Leicester City in January, with much of the discourse surrounding her move focusing on her commercial appeal rather than her footballing prowess.
“When I was younger, it affected me more because I didn’t know how to handle the situation,” the 26-year-old forward shared with BBC Sport. “There were moments where I was really sad, and I used to ask my mum if I could not play football anymore.” She elaborated on the disconnect between public perception and her reality: “People don’t know how much effort I actually put in when they say, ‘Oh, she’s not a footballer.’ They just think, ‘Oh, she goes to training, and then goes home and does TikToks or whatever.'”
Lehmann was quick to dispel these notions, emphasizing her rigorous dedication. “But that is really not true,” she stated. “I rest so well, I sleep every afternoon, and I would never do anything before training or a game that would affect how I play. I care so much about it.”
Overcoming the Noise and Embracing Her Platform
While the criticism once took a significant toll, Lehmann has developed a resilient mindset. “But now, I’m fine,” she asserted. “I love my life and the people around me, and I don’t get affected by it. It’s just an opinion, as is everything in life, so I just focus on myself. If I am happy and do the best in every situation, that for me is fine.”
The Swiss international has consistently aimed to leverage her social media presence to elevate the profile of women’s football and attract a broader audience to the sport. This ambition has been a driving force throughout her career, dating back to her teenage years at West Ham in 2018. She has since had brief spells at Everton and Aston Villa before making a move to Juventus in 2024. In late last year, she signed a three-year deal with Como but departed early to join Leicester City.
Lehmann’s influence in the women’s game is substantial. For context, retired US star Alex Morgan, the second-most followed female player, has 9 million followers, while Lehmann commands an impressive 16.8 million. Even Australian captain Sam Kerr, considered one of the most influential players in the Women’s Super League on social media, has a comparatively modest 1.7 million followers on Instagram.
Professionalism and Pursuit of Excellence
Lehmann acknowledged the frustration that can arise from constant scrutiny. “Sometimes it is frustrating,” she admitted. “I’m very professional. I always give everything on the pitch, and I want to be the best. If I’ve not done my best when I check my data after training, I will do extra rounds to try to improve.” She reiterated her unwavering focus: “People can think what they want, but everything I do is focused on being the best player I can be.”
Having settled back into life in England, Lehmann finds it “feels like home.” Despite the challenges, her commitment to her craft and her role in promoting women’s football remains steadfast. Her current Leicester City side is facing a tough season, sitting at the bottom of the table with only two wins so far.
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