Leicester City and Switzerland winger Alisha Lehmann on growing up on a farm in Bern, her home Euros and what she loves most about life in England.
"HavingtheEurosinSwitzerlandwasprobablythebestexperienceofmylife.”Alisha Lehmann
Alisha Lehmann first moved to England at 18, joining West Ham. After spells in Italy, she’s back, now with Leicester City in the Barclays WSL2. The Switzerland winger talks farm life in Bern, her unforgettable home Euros and why she always packs Swiss seasoning.
What was it like where you grew up?
I grew up in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and my house is out in the countryside — we had a bit of a farm with horses, dogs, and other animals. It was always nice growing up like that, and now it's completely different living in England. It's a great memory, growing up with a small family because the animals felt like family too.
What were your first experiences of playing football?
I was about six. We always played at school during breaks, and I always played with the boys. Then I tried a club and really enjoyed it — it was faster than playing with the boys, and I think that's why I kept going, because I just enjoyed it.
Did you mainly grow up playing in boys' teams?
Yeah, I played with boys for quite a long time. I think it's really good when you're young, because they're physically stronger than you, but I was faster, so it helped. I liked it.
What was the transition like from playing more casually with the boys into a professional setup?
The main difference, of course, is the physicality — technically it was kind of the same, but to be professional you always have to be a step better, stronger, and faster. So you just grow into it.
What was it about England that made you want to come and play here?
I had offers from a few different countries when I was about 18, so I didn't really know where I wanted to go, but England was the country where women's football was becoming really big at the time. So I decided to join West Ham.
Do you remember what it was like?
It was amazing — London's an amazing city, and coming from a small place in Switzerland to a big city like that was really exciting.
You've played in other countries too — where's been your favourite place you've lived?
Probably Como — it's really nice to live there. But at the end of the day, in football it's not about where you live, it's about what makes you happy in the game, because that's our passion.
Did you have any culture shocks when you first came to England?
Probably the biggest thing was the food — you guys cook quite differently to us. But I got used to it fast, and it's actually not that bad.
Are there any foods you really like from England, and any you don't?
I really don't like Brussels sprouts! What I do like is a Sunday roast — it depends on who cooks it, obviously, but that's true in every culture.
Is there any food you miss from back home?
Yeah, a lot, because we have so much cheese back home, and we do a lot of brunches at the weekend that are quite different to here. Wherever you grow up, you always miss the food from there. I miss Swiss chocolate especially — it's not that healthy, but it's really nice.
What do you love most about living in England?
The people — everyone's so nice and so open. I like the culture a lot. I've been here for so many years now, and even when I've left I've missed it. The opportunities here in England are huge too — it's a big city, everyone's so different, and it just makes it better.
Do you have any non-negotiables from home — foods, traditions, routines you've kept up since moving?
I always bring the same seasoning from back home so I can cook my usual food — that's probably the biggest one, bringing a bit of Swiss life over with me.
Have you introduced any foods to your teammates, and what did they think?
I always try to show everyone Swiss food and I think they like it — though it's a bit different when I'm the one cooking it! You can't really not like cheese, though.
How do you think living abroad has changed you as a person?
I think it's opened me up a lot. Growing up in Switzerland, everyone's quite close-minded and strict — everything's about work and business. When I came here, everyone was so open, and it made me socialise so much more. I've found so many friends here who are so different, but I really like them.
What was it like playing for the national team, especially with the home Euros recently?
Playing for your own country is always the biggest pride you can have, because that's where you grew up, where you were born. Having the Euros in Switzerland was probably the best experience of my life — there were so many Swiss fans cheering for us, it was incredible.
Do you have one particular favourite moment from playing for Switzerland?
When we played Finland at home during the Euros and qualified for the next round — we scored a late goal, and I'll never forget that moment.
How do you think football has changed in Switzerland since the Euros, and since you were growing up?
It's changed a lot. There's more investment now, and a home Euros always helps because it forces that investment. It's become much more professional, and I think there's still more room to grow, but it's going in the right direction.
Do you get to go home much?
Sometimes — usually around national team camps, I'll stay an extra day. This summer I was home a lot. It depends on the schedule.
If someone was going to visit Switzerland, what would you recommend they do?
My favourite thing to do — we always take inflatable boats out on the river and go swimming, just enjoy the day on the water. Everyone should try that, go swimming in the lakes, and enjoy the nice weather.
Do you have any hobbies outside of football?
I like padel and tennis, but most of the time it's just sleeping, honestly — I really love sleeping! When I'm off, I try to rest and nap so I'm ready for the next day.
What are your goals and ambitions for this season?
We want to really prove ourselves. We're training hard right now, and I think we're heading in a good direction.
