Explained: Why Alisha Lehmann is involved with Lukas Podolski as Aston Villa star & ex-Arsenal forward exchange Instagram story messages

The 24-year-old Switzerland international has confirmed that she will be taking part in the indoor football competition, known as the ‘Baller League’, that is due to take place in January 2024. Lehmann will be joined in said league by a number of former players, celebrities, musicians, streamers and influencers – although anybody is free to apply for participation.

The pair exchanged an interaction on their respective Instagram stories, in German, about Lehmann's confirmed inclusion in the tournament.

IG: alishalehmann7

IG: lukaspodolski

Lehmann has told Bild of adding her name to the guest list: “I’m really looking forward to the Baller League. This is a great idea that combines a lot of things from today: pure football, entertainment and then making the whole thing accessible to fans via social media – for a generation that sees itself in all of these points. I think the Baller League is very attractive. I grew up with street football and always watched indoor football. During the winter break it was a real experience that I was looking forward to. The idea of offering this football a stage and bringing it back to the field with honest rules and lots and lots of fun – I wanted to be part of that. That’s also my style, my understanding of football and my DNA.”

The ‘Baller League’ – which is being pieced together by World Cup winners Podolski and Hummels – is taking inspiration from Barcelona legend Gerard Pique’s ‘Kings League’ in Spain, where teams are managed by celebrity coaches and the likes of Sergio Aguero have taken to the field.

The ‘Baller League’, which features 12 teams each managed by a well-known personality, will take place at Motorworld in Cologne from January 8, 2024 – with Lehmann able to get involved during the winter break that Villa be enjoying from WSL action.