Leicester City striker Alisha Lehmann is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable female footballers globally.
With nearly 16 million followers on Instagram and 11.8 million on TikTok, she made a splash on the Milan catwalks last year while playing in Italy. Her captivating looks frequently attract media attention.
Advertisement
Lehmann acknowledges that her public persona can shape perception, but she is eager to shift that narrative after transitioning from a Mediterranean lifestyle to a relegation fight in the East Midlands.
The coverage of her January transfer emphasized her off-field image as much as her contributions to the team.
“When I was younger, it bothered me more because I didn’t know how to deal with it,” she shares. “There were times I felt really down and asked my mum if I could quit football.”
“Football means everything to me, and I invest so much into it. I prioritize my rest, sleep every afternoon, and would never jeopardize my performance with distractions before training or matches. It’s my passion.”
Advertisement
“People underestimate my commitment when they say, ‘Oh, she’s not a footballer.'”
“But I’m in a good place now. I love my life and my support network, and I don’t let it get to me anymore.”
This Sunday, she is expected to lead Leicester’s attack in a BBC-televised match against Aston Villa (14:45 GMT).
Lehmann has played for West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa in England [Getty Images]
At 26 and hailing from Switzerland, Lehmann has expressed her desire to leverage her social media presence to elevate the profile of women’s football and connect with new audiences.
In contrast, fellow England internationals Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo have 1.5 million and 1.1 million Instagram followers, respectively, while former US star Alex Morgan boasts 9 million.
Advertisement
Her posts vary between lifestyle and football, appealing to a wide audience but also inviting criticism.
“Sometimes it’s frustrating,” she admits to BBC Sport. “People overlook the effort I put in. They think I just train and then create TikToks – that’s not the case.”
“I maintain a professional attitude. I give my all on the pitch and strive to be the best. If my training data isn’t up to par, I go the extra mile to improve.”
“Opinions vary, but everything I do focuses on being the best player possible.”
Advertisement
Lehmann began her journey in the Women’s Super League in 2018 with West Ham after making an impressive showing at the 2018 European Under-19 Championship.
In six years in England, she has made 108 appearances, netting 19 goals and providing 10 assists across stints with West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa.
After facing challenges in Italy with Juventus and Como, she views her return to what she considers “home” as a clear choice.
“I signed a long-term contract with Como, but after just a month, I realized it wasn’t right for me and wanted to come back to England,” she shares. “I love it here; the football is at a higher level and England feels like home.”
Advertisement
‘Incredible’ Lehmann ‘works harder than anyone else’
Lehmann attended Paris Fashion Week shortly after her signing with Leicester City [Getty Images]
Lehmann’s arrival at then 11th-placed Leicester City in January marked an effort by manager Rick Passmoor to bring in experienced players to support a youthful squad grappling with relegation.
She joined other seasoned WSL players like Ashleigh Neville, 32, from Tottenham, and Manchester United striker Rachel Williams, 38.
However, the strategy has yet to yield results.
Following last week’s loss to relegation rivals Liverpool and a draw for West Ham against Manchester United, the Foxes find themselves three points adrift at the bottom, with just five games remaining.
Advertisement
Having scored only eight goals all season, the threat of a relegation play-off with the third-placed side from WSL 2 is looming.
Despite the grim outlook, Passmoor believes Lehmann has made a significant impression and supports her self-assessment.
“She’s incredible,” he states. “She embodies the qualities you want – a leader and a professional. She outworks everyone else here. She is committed to our success and winning matches. If we could replicate her mindset throughout the club, we’d be in a much better position.”
Lehmann remains optimistic about Leicester’s chances of survival.
Advertisement
“We’re not in the best position right now,” she acknowledges. “But we are all striving to be our best selves and remain in the WSL.”
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes release every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, with interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and more on the Women’s Football Weekly feed