Lioness believes 'autism has made me successful'

LIONESS Lucy Bronze has hailed autism as her 'super-power' which she believes gives her the ability to "think 10 steps ahead", as she gears up for the Women's Euros 2025 set to commence on July 2.

- HOLLIE BONE

Bronze, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021, has only recently spoken about her neurodiversity. Now, at 33, England's most decorated female footballer graces the July/August cover of Women's Health, as she and her teammates aim to retain their European championship title.

She said: "My autism is my superpower that's made me successful - it makes me obsessed with things, it makes me want to do things extra, it makes me think 10 steps aheadbut I wish it didn't take being a successful footballer for me to be free to be who I am. That's the thing: everything in the world is set for one generic way. If you don’t fit that standard, where do you fit in?".

Born in Berwick, the Northumberland star began her football journey with Alnwick Town Juniors, where she was the sole girl in the team. However, at the age of 12, she faced a setback when the FA decreed she could no longer play with the boys due to the perceived increased injury risk associated with puberty.