Alisha Lehmann is one of the most recognizable faces in women’s football—combining elite on‑field performance with global social media influence. As she enters the prime of her career in 2026, understanding her salary, earnings sources, and market value offers insights into how elite female footballers build professional success and financial stability today.
Who Is Alisha Lehmann?
Alisha Debora Lehmann is a Swiss professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Leicester City Women in the Women’s Super League (WSL) after joining from FC Como in January 2026. She has previously featured in the WSL with West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa, and also had a stint with Juventus in Serie A. Lehmann is known not only for her footballing talent but also for her massive social media presence, making her one of the most followed female football stars worldwide.
Estimated Salary Range in 2026
Unlike typical salaried professions, elite footballers earn from multiple revenue streams, including club salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and social media partnerships. Based on available data and market trends for top women’s players:
| Earning Source | Estimated Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Club Salary (WSL) | €200,000 – €350,000 annually |
| Performance Bonuses | €20,000 – €75,000+ |
| Endorsements & Sponsorships | €150,000 – €500,000+ |
| Social Media & Personal Brand Income | €100,000 – €400,000+ |
| Total Estimated Earnings | €470,000 – €1,325,000+ |
In 2025, her base football salary was estimated around €200,000 per year, and her total income including sponsorships likely exceeded €400,000 annually.
By 2026, with her move to the WSL and expanding brand value, her total earnings are expected to grow further.
Factors Influencing Alisha Lehmann’s Earnings
1. Club Contract and League Quality
Playing in the English Women’s Super League, one of the most competitive and commercially developed leagues in women’s football, typically offers higher salaries than many other women’s leagues globally.
Leicester City signed Lehmann on a contract through 2028, providing stability and a strong platform for performance‑related pay.
2. Performance & Visibility
Players who consistently perform—scoring goals, creating chances, and being central to team play—can negotiate higher salaries and bonuses. Lehmann’s experience across multiple top clubs boosts her value.
3. Endorsements & Brand Partnerships
Alisha bridges football and mainstream reach through partnerships with major brands (e.g., Adidas, EA Sports), boosting her income significantly beyond her playing contract.
4. Social Media Influence
With millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, Lehmann earns from sponsored posts and marketing collaborations—sometimes rivaling or exceeding her on‑field earnings.
Salary Breakdown by Career Stage
While individual contracts and endorsements vary widely, here’s a general picture of how earnings evolve for a top football talent like Lehmann:
| Career Phase | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Early Professional (Youth/Lower League) | €30,000 – €80,000 |
| WSL Emerging Star | €100,000 – €180,000 |
| Established WSL Player | €200,000 – €350,000 |
| Global Brand Player (Top Tier) | €350,000+ with endorsements |
Lehmann’s move from Aston Villa and Juventus to Leicester reflects a player in her prime‑earning phase, balancing performance with marketability.
Job Market Trends in Women’s Football (2026)
The women’s football job market has been growing rapidly:
- Increased league investment: Competitive leagues like the WSL, NWSL, and Division 1 Féminine continually boost salaries.
- Sponsorship growth: Brands invest more in women’s football personalities and teams.
- Broadcast deals: Expanded media coverage drives financial growth for clubs and players.
For players with a strong brand like Lehmann, this trend expands both sporting and commercial opportunities.
Benefits & Perks Beyond Base Salary
Elite footballers often receive additional compensation elements:
Performance Bonuses
- Goals scored
- Appearances
- Team achievements (e.g., league points, cup progress)
Loyalty & Signing Bonuses
- Upfront bonus for joining a club
- Extended contract incentives
Commercial Perks
- Endorsement deals with lifestyle, sportswear, and tech brands
- Paid appearances and event partnerships
These extras are a core part of modern athletes’ earnings and often match or exceed their base contract.
Certifications, Training & Education Impact
Unlike many careers, formal academic degrees don’t directly impact salary in professional football. However:
- Technical training and coaching certifications can enhance post‑playing career opportunities.
- Fitness and sports science qualifications can position players for roles in punditry, coaching, or management later on.
Comparing Alisha Lehmann’s Salary With Other Football Niches
To provide context, here’s how earnings broadly compare:
| Segment | Typical 2026 Earnings |
|---|---|
| Top Women’s Footballer (WSL/NWSL) | €400,000 – €1M+ |
| Elite Men’s Footballer (Top 5 Leagues) | €2M – €20M+ |
| Mid‑Tier Pro Footballer | €150,000 – €400,000 |
| Women’s National Team Player (Without Big Club Contract) | €50,000 – €150,000 |
Although women’s salaries still lag behind men’s football significantly, top female players like Lehmann are closing the gap through diversified revenues.
Job Outlook & Future Earnings Potential
Lehmann’s career trajectory suggests strong earning potential ahead:
- Continued development in the WSL
- Major endorsements
- Social media monetization
- Post‑career opportunities (media, coaching, ambassador roles)
With global demand for women’s football and media attention rising, players with both on‑field skill and off‑field brand presence are positioned for sustainable long‑term income.
Final Thoughts
Alisha Lehmann’s salary in 2026 reflects a modern professional athlete’s multi‑stream revenue model—club contracts, performance bonuses, endorsements, and personal branding. While her base football contract is substantial, her broader earnings come from smart market positioning and global fan engagement.
For aspiring footballers, her career highlights how sporting excellence combined with brand influence can elevate earning potential far beyond salary alone.