'My superpower' - Chelsea & Lionesses star Lucy Bronze opens up on autism and ADHD diagnoses and how she uses them to her advantage

Bronze has described her autism and ADHD diagnosis as her "superpower" after revealing she was first diagnosed four years ago. The 33-year-old says the diagnosis was not a surprise as she "always knew about in a way" and believes her autism has helped her footballing career.

She told BBC Sport: "How I process things, being super-focused. People always say, 'Oh, you're so passionate about football.' 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. Something that is really good for ADHD and autism is exercise. Having that focus, something to do, keeping moving. 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?' All the things I have because of autism have worked in my advantage."

Bronze has enjoyed phenomenal success throughout her career. She has won titles with club sides Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona and Chelsea, claimed victory at Euro 2022 with England and made it to the World Cup final with the Lionesses in 2024. Bronze also finished as runner-up at the 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or. She has inspired millions through her exploits on the pitch and is now hoping to make a difference away from football by raising awareness and trying to remove the stigma around autism and ADHD.

Bronze's Chelsea are currently in the middle of a run of four games against Manchester City. The two teams face off again in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday and then meet again in the WSL on Sunday. The Blues were victorious in the Women's League Cup final on Saturday.