Lucy Bronze always knew she was different.
When she was growing up, the England international, who has won almost every accolade in women’s football, attempted to copy her team-mates’ behaviour in order to fit in.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up has since enjoyed outstanding success both at home and abroad, winning 22 major trophies while representing Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona and Chelsea.
A Euro 2022 winner and 2023 World Cup runner-up with England, the 33-year-old is an inspiration to millions of young players and fans. But stats and honours aren’t the only things that make a person.
Her mum had long suspected she may be autistic, but it wasn’t until four years ago that Bronze was officially diagnosed as having autism, external and ADHD , external(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport before Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Bronze opened up for the first time about her diagnoses and the impact they have on her life on and off the pitch.
