Lucy Bronze recently opened up about her autism and ADHD diagnosis in an interview for BBC, sharing her experience as a neurodivergent player at the highest level of football. 

Bronze revealed that she was diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in 2021, though she and her mother had suspected she was on the spectrum since childhood. The Chelsea defender spoke about the aspects of football that were difficult for her – making eye contact when speaking to coaches and teammates, for example. But she spoke about the positive impacts on her game, too.

She described football as her hyperfocus, with autism making her a better player, contrary to what others might think about neurodivergent footballers. She also spoke about how exercise and the focus that comes with consistent training helps her manage her ADHD. 

Bronze is one of the most successful women’s footballers in the game, and as one of the only active players to open up about being neurodivergent, she is a major role model to aspiring players with neural differences.

Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel revealed her autism diagnosis two years ago, raising awareness for ASD in football by sharing her own experiences. Both Bronze and Middleton-Patel have called autism their superpower – a positive reminder that neurodivergence shouldn’t be viewed as a hindrance in sport, but a strength.

Though roughly 25% of the world’s population is reported to be neurodivergent, only a handful of footballers have shared a diagnosis.  Neurodivergence is still heavily stigmatised in football, but players like Charlie Austin, Middleton-Patel and Bronze are turning the tide. Here’s to more neurodivergent people in football changing the narrative for good.