Alisha Lehmann Reveals How Social Media Criticism Nearly Ended Her Football Career
The Swiss international footballer Alisha Lehmann has courageously opened up about the damaging misconceptions that almost forced her to abandon the sport she loves. Despite being frequently labelled as the 'world's sexiest footballer', the Leicester City forward has faced persistent criticism suggesting she prioritises social media glamour over professional dedication.
The Breaking Point: A Young Player's Plea
Lehmann revealed that during her younger years, the constant scrutiny became overwhelming. 'When I was younger it affected me more because I didn't know how to handle the situation,' she confessed. 'There were moments where I was really sad and I used to ask my mum if I could not play football anymore.' This emotional plea to her family highlights the profound impact that external criticism had on her mental wellbeing and career trajectory.
Debunking the Social Media Myth
With an astonishing 27 million followers across various platforms, Lehmann's profile has undoubtedly brought unprecedented attention to women's football. However, this visibility has come with a significant cost. 'People don't know how much effort I actually put in when they say 'Oh, she's not a footballer',' she explained. 'They just think, oh she goes to training and then goes home and does TikToks or whatever. But that is really not true.'
The 26-year-old forward insists her daily routine is meticulously structured around athletic performance rather than social media content creation. '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,' she emphasised.
Professional Validation and Career Journey
Despite the external criticism, those within football circles have consistently praised Lehmann's professionalism. Coaches have commended her relentless work ethic and leadership qualities within team environments. Her career journey has been extensive, featuring spells at:
- West Ham United
- Everton
- Aston Villa
- Juventus
- Como
- Leicester City (current club)
This movement between England and Italy demonstrates her commitment to developing as a professional footballer across different leagues and football cultures.
Developing Resilience and Maintaining Focus
Now back in England with Leicester City Women, Lehmann has developed stronger coping mechanisms. 'But now, I'm fine. I love my life and the people around me and I don't get affected by it,' she stated. 'It's just an opinion, as is everything in life, so I just focus on myself.'
Her return to English football has reignited debates about her public image, with some celebrating her ability to attract new audiences to women's football while others continue questioning her priorities. Lehmann firmly rejects these doubts about her dedication. 'If I've not done my best when I check my data after training, I will do extra rounds to try to improve,' she asserted. 'People can think what they want but everything I do is focused on being the best player I can be.'
The forward's story highlights the complex relationship between modern athletes and social media visibility, demonstrating how public perception can sometimes overshadow professional commitment and personal wellbeing in professional sports.
