Alisha Lehmann, dubbed 'world's sexiest footballer', hits back at critics: 'I don't just do TikToks'

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 22/03/2026

- 11:49

The Leicester and Swiss star boasts around 16 million followers on Instagram

Leicester City striker Alisha Lehmann has had enough of people suggesting she's more interested in social media than football.

The Swiss forward, who commands a staggering following of nearly 16 million on Instagram and 11.8 million on TikTok, is arguably the most recognisable female footballer on the planet.


But that fame comes with frustrating assumptions about her commitment to the game.

"People don't see the work that I put in," she told BBC Sport. "They think I just train and then go home to make TikToks - it's not true."

Alisha Lehmann

Swiss international footballer Alisha Lehmann is determined to prove the doubters wrong

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GETTY

The 26-year-old is determined to prove the doubters wrong.

Lehmann insists her lifestyle revolves entirely around performing at her peak.

She takes an afternoon nap every day and is meticulous about what she eats and how much sleep she gets.

"I would never do anything before training or a game that would affect how I play," she explained. "I care so much about it."

The striker even reviews her performance data after sessions, putting in additional work if she feels she hasn't hit her standards.

"I always give everything on the pitch and I want to be the best," she said. "If I've not done my best when I check my data after training, I will do extra rounds to try to improve."

The criticism hit harder when Lehmann was younger and didn't know how to cope with it.

"There were moments where I was really sad and I used to ask my mum if I could not play football anymore," she admitted.

Football remains the thing she loves most and has devoted the most time to throughout her life.

These days, the negativity simply doesn't get to her.

"Now, I'm fine. I love my life and the people around me and I don't get affected by it," she said.

"People can think what they want but everything I do is focused on being the best player I can be."

Alisha Lehmann

Alisha Lehmann has played for the likes of West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa

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GETTY

Lehmann's Women's Super League journey began back in 2018 when she joined West Ham following an impressive showing at the European Under-19 Championship, where she netted twice.

Over six years in England, she racked up 108 appearances across spells at West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists.

A move to Italy with Juventus and then Como didn't work out, and she returned to England in January, signing for Leicester.

"I love it here, the football is better and England feels like home to me," she said.

She's expected to lead Leicester's attack today against Aston Villa, with kick-off at 14:45 GMT on BBC.