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Autistic Lioness, Lucy Bronze MBE is our new Celebrity Ambassador

Published on 19 March 2025

Introducing our new Celebrity Ambassador, Lucy Bronze MBE

England women’s footballer Lucy Bronze MBE, who has recently revealed she is autistic, is joining our charity as a Celebrity Ambassador to champion autism acceptance. 

The 33-year-old Chelsea defender is widely considered one of the greatest England women’s footballers of all time. She was part of the Lioness squad that won the European Championship in 2022 and helped England reach the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.  

Lucy started her footballing career for Sunderland AFC at the age of 16, before making her England debut on 25 June 2013. She acknowledges her "hyper-focus on football" and "always knowing" that she is autistic, despite only getting her official diagnosis three years ago.

"It was a bit of an eye opener, I just learned more about myself, understood why in certain situations I saw things differently or acted in a different way to other people. Things just kind of fell into place and it made me feel better."

Lucy Bronze MBE, on her assessment and autism diagnosis

Lucy has decided that now is the time to reveal her diagnosis, advocate for autistic people and share her experience. She said: "I don’t think I could have done this five or six years ago, but I am now at a place in my life and career where people accept me. It’s taken years to become ‘Football’s Lucy Bronze’, which has given me the platform to be comfortable in myself, but I don't want that for other people; I don’t want them to struggle.  

"I am in such a good place, I am happy with who I am, the way I hold myself, with England, Chelsea, in life… I am completely cool with it. If someone has a problem with me then that’s not on me!"

As a Celebrity Ambassador, Lucy will act as an autism advocate by living and breathing the National Autistic Society’s values and vision of creating a society that works for autistic people. Through social media, fundraising and campaigns, she will help to amplify the charity’s work in transforming lives and changing attitudes.

Lucy will join the National Autistic Society’s other Celebrity Ambassadors, including Chris Packham, Carrie and David Grant and Christine McGuinness in striving for autism acceptance.

"As an ambassador, my goal is to raise awareness and to be a role model as someone who is autistic. That is something I hold close to my heart. There were times in my life where things might have been easier for me if there wasn't a stigma, if I felt I could be more open about it. I want young autistic boys and girls to be happy with who they are and not be misunderstood. I'm proud to be part of an organisation that empowers autistic people to unlock their full potential - who knows, maybe even stepping onto the pitch to play for England one day!"

Lucy Bronze MBE, our charity's new Celebrity Ambassador

Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lucy to our charity as a Celebrity Ambassador, she is an incredible role model for young autistic people. 

"It is so important for public figures, like Lucy, to share their experiences openly so that more people understand autism, what it is like to be autistic, and to encourage more autistic people to share their stories too.   

"We are very grateful to Lucy for the time and support she’s giving to the National Autistic Society and encouraging autism acceptance. We look forward to working together to create better public understanding of autism and to help to transform autistic people’s lives."

Lucy Bronze MBE - Fact file

  • Born in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
     
  • Dog lover!
     
  • Has played for Sunderland, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona, and Chelsea
     
  • Made her England debut on 25 June 2013
     
  • 129 England caps, 23 club trophies, 5 European titles, and 8 domestic league titles
     
  • The first women’s footballer to be nominated for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year
     
  • Named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year 2018/2019
     
  • Named the Best FIFA Women’s Player for 2020
     
  • Part of the Lioness squad that lifted the European Championship in 2022
     
  • Helped England reach the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup
     
  • Voted into the FIFPRO Women's World XI by her fellow professionals for 7 consecutive years

Autism Acceptance

Lucy is also supporting World Autism Acceptance Month, which runs from Wednesday 2 April 2025 - Wednesday 30 April 2025. 

The National Autistic Society’s month-long event is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.  

Join Lucy and thousands of other people - at home, at school, or at work - who are hoping to make a real difference.
 

Find out more: 

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