Alisha Lehmann claims that online abuse remains an issue despite her ever-growing popularity.
The 26-year-old Juventus star is one of the most recognisable names in football having garnered a staggering 16.6 million Instagram followers.
GettyThe Swiss star is currently starring for Italian giants Juventus[/caption]
To put it into context, Lehmann boasts 10 million more followers than Bukayo Saka, 15 million more than partner Douglas Luiz and has just 400,000 fewer than Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.
The Switzerland international is a global superstar and arguably the most marketable women’s player of all time but that has not prevented her from a barrage of online abuse.
Lehmann admits that like many female stars, she has received a barrage of messages pertaining to her appearance while other communication is often more sexualised.
“It’s always like that because people say ‘why do you always wear so much make up’ or ‘why do you do this or that’,” Lehmann told talkSPORT show The Kickback.
“I’m a woman, if I want to wear make up, I’ll wear make up. If I want to do my nails, I’ll do my nails. It’s a part of me, I don’t listen to these things because it’s not something to focus on.
“I’m confident, I’m happy, I smile every day, I wake up happy. But obviously it’s a problem because when you have these comments, it’s not very nice.”
Lehmann’s talents and passions span further than the football pitch. She recently took part in a Valentine’s Day lingerie photoshoot for Tezenis Underwear, sparking rumours that she could venture into modeling in the future.
During her time at Aston Villa, Lehmann signed sponsorship deals with Adidas and EA Sports before later penning a £928,000 agreement with drinks brand Prime.
Meanwhile, she is co-manager of MVP United in the Baller League, alongside Maya Jama.
Her success off the field has seen fans flock to stadiums around the world to get a glimpse of her in the flesh, something Lehmann is grateful for.
Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann regularly posts to her 16.6m Instagram followers[/caption]
“Sometimes I go and warm up or during the game, so many people scream my name and it’s such a nice feeling,” she added.
“When we had the World Cup in New Zealand and I got subbed in, the whole stadium screamed and I was like ‘oh my god’.
“I got goosebumps and it’s just moments like that that make you feel so good.”
Lehmann is set to be named in the Switzerland squad for this summer’s Euros which will take place in her home country.
The idea of being part of the tournament on home soil excites Lehmann who labels herself as a player for the big occasion.
“I’m a player for big games,” she said. “I love playing at either Wembley or Villa Park against big teams. When we are at the Euros and we feel this energy, it will be so good.
Lehmann spent much of her career in English football having played for West Ham and Everton before making her name during a three-year spell at Aston Villa.
She moved to Italy last summer in a switch that saw partner Luiz also swap Villa Park for Juventus.
Asked whether fans may see her back in English football in the future, Lehmann said: “I don’t know, I have a contract for three years, I love Juventus, I love the team.
“I’m really happy there to be honest. We will see what the future brings. Part of my heart is English because I grew up here. When I came I couldn’t speak English.”
