Alisha Lehmann Speaks Out Against Football’s Gender Pay Gap: "My Boyfriend Earns 100,000 Times More Than Me"
Alisha Lehmann, the new Juventus signing, has slammed the gender pay gap in football, revealing that her boyfriend, Douglas Luiz, earns a staggering 100,000 times more than her.
The 25-year-old midfielder made her Serie A Femminile debut on September 1, scoring a goal in a 6-3 victory. However, she’s not just focused on her on-field success – she’s also using her platform to raise awareness about the disparity in pay between male and female footballers.
"I’m not a star, I’m a normal person. I go home, I cook, I do the same thing as everyone else," Lehmann told La Repubblica. "After training, I often tell Douglas that it’s unfair. We do the same job, but he earns 100,000 times more than me."
Lehmann’s exact salary is unknown, but it’s reported that Juventus bought her for a modest £42,000, while Luiz joined the Italian giants for a whopping £42 million. The disparity in pay is even more staggering when you consider that Lehmann has played just two games for Juventus, while Luiz has been limited to three substitute appearances for the men’s team.
The gender pay gap is a long-standing issue in football, with many female players earning significantly less than their male counterparts. It’s a problem that’s not limited to Italy – in the UK, the average salary for a professional female footballer is just £24,000, compared to £2.5 million for a top-tier male player.
Lehmann’s comments are a timely reminder of the need for change in the football industry. As a prominent figure in the women’s game, she’s using her platform to shine a light on the issue and demand greater equality.
"It’s a developing process that takes time," Lehmann said. "Perhaps social media will push people to follow Women’s Football more. I like talking to people with more experience than me because you can always learn something."
Juventus’s women’s team has made a strong start to the season, winning both of their matches in Serie A. Meanwhile, the men’s team remain unbeaten, with a perfect record in the Italian top flight.
As the debate around the gender pay gap continues to rage, Lehmann’s comments serve as a powerful reminder of the need for greater equality in football. It’s time for the industry to take action and ensure that female players are paid the same as their male counterparts.
Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the latest football news and stories