Leicester City striker Alisha Lehmann has emerged as one of the most recognizable female footballers globally, captivating fans with her impressive online presence. With nearly 16 million followers on Instagram and an additional 11.8 million on TikTok, she has made headlines not just for her football skills but also for her modeling endeavors, including walking the catwalks in Milan last year. However, she is determined to shift the focus from her striking looks to her dedication and hard work on the pitch, especially after transitioning from the sunny Mediterranean lifestyle to a challenging relegation battle in the East Midlands.
Battling Misconceptions About Her Career
Lehmann acknowledges that her popularity can lead to misconceptions about her commitment to football. Reflecting on her past experiences, she admits that earlier in her career, external perceptions affected her more deeply. "When I was younger, it affected me more because I didn't know how to handle the situation," she reveals. There were times when she questioned her choice to pursue football, feeling overwhelmed by the criticism suggesting she wasn't serious about the sport.
Now, at 26 years old, Lehmann asserts her passion for football and emphasizes the effort she puts into her training. "Football is the thing I love the most... I care so much about it," she explains. She wishes people could see the hard work behind the scenes, stating, "People don't know how much effort I actually put in when they say 'Oh, she's not a footballer.'" With a newfound resilience, she embraces her life and remains focused on her goals, ready to lead Leicester's attack in their upcoming match against Aston Villa.
Aiming to Elevate Women's Football
Lehmann's move to Leicester City in January has been part of a broader strategy by manager Rick Passmoor to bring experienced players into the squad to help combat relegation. Despite the challenges the team faces—sitting at the bottom of the league with only eight goals scored this season—Lehmann is optimistic about their chances of survival in the Women's Super League (WSL). "The situation we're in now isn't the best," she says, but she believes in the collective potential of her teammates to turn things around.
Her career in England began in 2018 with West Ham, where she quickly established herself as a talent to watch, scoring important goals and providing assists throughout her time in the league. After experiencing difficulties while playing in Italy, Lehmann felt a strong pull to return to England, which she considers home. "I love it here, the football is better and England feels like home to me," she explains, highlighting her desire to contribute positively to her team in a familiar environment.
As she continues to balance her dual roles as a professional athlete and a social media influencer, Lehmann remains committed to using her platform to promote women's football and attract new audiences. Her posts often blend lifestyle content with her athletic endeavors, reflecting her multifaceted identity. "I'm very professional," she insists, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of excellence on the field. With the support of her coach and teammates, Lehmann is determined to navigate the challenges ahead and make a significant impact in the WSL.
