Lucy Bronze has always known she was different. From a young age, she noticed that she saw the world differently from those around her.

She struggled with reading and spelling, avoided eye contact, and found social interactions difficult.

But while some might have seen these traits as challenges, Bronze has turned them into strengths, helping her become one of the greatest players in women’s football.

The 33-year-old England star has won 22 major trophies, played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona, and Chelsea, and helped England win the 2022 Euros and reach the 2023 World Cup final.

However, her journey to success was not just about talent and hard work—it was also about understanding herself.

Understanding her autism diagnosis

Although Bronze was officially diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021, she had long suspected it.

Her mother had noticed signs from a young age, but it wasn’t until a Lionesses training camp that she finally got confirmation.

“It was something I always knew about in a way,” Bronze shared.

“My mum had spoken about it from a very young age and noticed things in me.”

Getting the diagnosis didn’t change who she was, but it helped her understand herself better.

It explained why she saw things differently, why certain situations made her uncomfortable, and why she often felt the need to copy others’ behavior to fit in.

“I just learned more about myself, understood why in certain situations I saw things differently to other people or acted in a different way,” she explained.

Struggles with social norms

Growing up, Bronze had difficulty with things that seemed natural to others.

She struggled with eye contact and didn’t feel comfortable with physical affection like hugging.

“When I first joined up with England, I could not speak to anyone,” she recalled.

“Casey Stoney once told me, ‘You’ve never looked me in the eye when speaking to me.’ I told her, ‘It’s not because of you, it’s me.'”

To fit in, she began mimicking others, particularly teammates like Jill Scott, who she admired for her confidence and ease in social situations.

“Hugging people, making eye contact, those two things I had to learn because they’re seen as the norm, but I found them so difficult,” she admitted.

Thankfully, over time, she found people who understood and respected her boundaries.

“I’ve got to a point now where people know I don’t like hugs, so they don’t judge me for not doing it,” she said.

How autism became her strength

While autism presented challenges, Bronze also discovered that it gave her an edge in football.

Her intense focus, attention to detail, and obsession with the game helped her reach the very top of the sport.

“People always say, ‘Oh, you’re so passionate about football,'” she said. “I don’t know if I’d say I’m passionate—I’m obsessed.

That’s my autism, it’s my hyper-focus on football.”

She also believes her condition has contributed to her remarkable longevity in the sport.

Starting her senior career at just 16 years old, she continues to play at the highest level at 33.

“Something that is really good for ADHD and autism is exercise.

Having that focus, something to do, keeping moving,” she explained. “Training every day is amazing for me. Some of the other girls will be like, ‘Are you sure you’re 33? Because you don’t stop!'”

Breaking the stigma

Now, Bronze is using her platform to raise awareness and help others understand autism better.

She has become an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, aiming to challenge misconceptions and encourage more open conversations about neurodiversity.

“A diagnosis is not going to change who you are, but understanding who you are is such a good thing,” she said.

“There were times in my life where things might have been easier if there wasn’t a stigma, if I felt I could be more open about it.”

She particularly wants to help young people who feel misunderstood.

“Being misunderstood when you’re younger is so difficult, which is why I wanted to join the charity,” she said.

What’s next for bronze?

As her playing career eventually comes to an end, many wonder what she will do next.

But for Bronze, there’s no doubt that she will find a new obsession.

“People say they’re worried about what I’ll do when I don’t have football, but I’ll find something else,” she said.

“Even now with football, my head is everywhere with it because I’m so obsessed—not just playing, but the boardroom, the coaching, the physios. I’m obsessed with it all.”

By embracing who she is, she has not only become one of the greatest footballers of her generation but also an inspiration to millions.

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