Switzerland forced to take drastic action with Alisha Lehmann ahead of Women's Euros quarter-final
Switzerland take on Spain in the third Women's Euro 2025 quarter-final on Saturday.
Switzerland have assigned additional security protection to winger Alisha Lehmann for the Women's Euro 2025 knockout stages.
The 26-year-old only played nine minutes during the group stages, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Finland that secured the Swiss a spot in the knockouts.
Lehmann was not originally part of Switzerland's 23-player squad for the tournament, but was added as an injury replacement for midfielder Alena Bienz.
As a result, the former Aston Villa star - who now plays for Juventus - was not expected to play any major role at Euro 2025.
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She played in 16 matches and scored twice in the Women's Serie A as Juventus retained their title last term, but most of her appearances were as a substitute.
However, given her public profile and immense followings on social media, Switzerland have deployed added protection for the winger.
The team's press officer, Sven Micosse, told Swedish outlet Aftonbladet that their on-site head of security will continue to accompany their players after matches, but that specific precautions are in place for Lehmann.
Micosse explained: "We always ensure that the safety of the players is our top priority in all stadiums.
"This is organised by UEFA during the tournament, and our head of security is always on site.
"After the matches, he is always there when the players approach the fans and, due to Alisha Lehmann's fame, he sometimes accompanies them a little further."
The outlet claims that the security guard is present when Lehmann signs autographs and take photos with fans, and 'every now and then ... needs to step in and push away someone who is a little too close'.
With 16.8 million followers on Instagram, Lehmann is comfortably the most-followed women's footballer on the social media platform.
Spain star and two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is in second place in that ranking on 3.3 million followers, emphasising just how significant Lehmann's online profile is.
Who are in the Women's Euro 2025 quarter-finals?
Italy have already secured their place in the Women's Euro 2025 semi-finals, having defeated Norway 2-1 on Wednesday.
Lehmann's Juventus team-mate Cristiana Girelli, 35, scored both goals for her nation.
Italy will take on the winner of the second quarter-final between Sweden or England, which takes place on Thursday.
Sweden topped Group C with a series of impressive results, including a 4-1 thrashing of Germany, while Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses finished second in Group D courtesy of a dominant 4-0 win over Netherlands and a comfortable 6-1 victory over Wales.
Switzerland, meanwhile, face the toughest test of all on Friday against reigning World Cup winners Spain, who possess an envious array of elite talents across the pitch.
The Barcelona trio of Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina, as well as Arsenal's Champions League winner Mariona Caldentey and PSG's Olga Carmona, are just some of the attack-minded talents that Spain can call upon on Friday.
And the final quarter-final, taking place on Saturday, sees Group D table-toppers France - who defeated England 2-1 - take on Germany.
Topics: Switzerland, Womens Football, Football
Ryan Smart