My First Football Shirt: Lucy Bronze

When we interview people about their favourite shirts, most of the people have shared their memories of football shirts and moments they have watched from the stands in a stadium, or seen live on TV.

But with Lucy Bronze it's a bit different, because she has actually lived the experiences she is talking about, and worn the shirts she loves.  The Chelsea player is one of the most decorated in world football having won the league in every country she plays in for; Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Lyon and more.

Lucy's favourite moments both centre around her firsts in an England shirt, whether that was a first-team debut or a first appearance at a major international tournament. And despite growing up in England's North East, the first colours Lucy wore were the burgundy and green tones of Portugal.

We hope you enjoy reading about Englands most recent Ballon D'Or finalist's football memories as much as we enjoyed talking to her about them!

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What was your first football shirt?

My family weren’t really into football. My brother used to get loads of shirts but I just got tennis gear and hand-me-downs. My first shirt was the full Portugal kit.  My dad is Portuguese, and one year we went on holiday and they bought me the full kit! It was burgundy with green shorts. I didn’t have a player on the back, but it was the Figo era and everyone loved him.  My best mate had the full Brazil kit and we used to play Portugal v Brazil in our full kits.

What is your favourite football shirt?

My favourite kit I’ve worn is England, especially my first shirt. I’m not really one for memorabilia. The only shirt I’ve framed is the first England shirt I wore for the Under-17s. It’s still got Ribena stains on it. Considering I’ve played 60 games, I’ve only got around four shirts.

What is your favourite football moment?

The World Cup in 2015. It was the first major tournament I'd played in for the seniors. I hadn't played any games for them at right-back, and we played Norway and I scored the winner. I'll never forget it as I'll never, ever do it ever again. I was in shock when I scored. Everyone else went mad and I turned around excited... but in total shock!

Illustrator:  Catherine Pape

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We spoke to Lucy Bronze as part of Your First Football Shirt, an illustrated book of 30 interviews with footballers and famous fans raising money for CALM + Willow.