Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze, one of England’s most successful footballers, has opened up about her autism and ADHD diagnoses, which she received in 2021. From a young age, she noticed she was different from others, often struggling with reading and spelling due to dyslexia and finding social interactions challenging. She masked her autism by copying her teammates' behavior to fit in, but she often felt uncomfortable with eye contact and physical contact like hugs. Despite these challenges, she believes that understanding her neurodiversity has helped her accept herself and improve her well-being.
Bronze credits her autism and ADHD for her deep focus and obsession with football, which has contributed to her long and successful career. Training every day provides structure and energy, helping her manage her condition. Now an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she hopes to raise awareness and remove the stigma around autism. She encourages others to embrace their differences, emphasizing that a diagnosis doesn’t change who you are but helps you understand yourself better. Even after football, she is confident she will find something else to focus on, as her passion for the game extends beyond playing.
