Swiss striker and Love Island star confirm their whirlwind romance has reached the next level — just months after going public with their relationship

Alisha Lehmann, the Swiss international widely dubbed the "world's sexiest footballer," has confirmed she is engaged to former Love Island and Baller League star Montel McKenzie, capping off a whirlwind romance that captivated fans on both sides of the football world.

The announcement comes after weeks of feverish speculation, ignited when McKenzie posted a now-famous snap from inside a jeweller's, captioned with a lock-and-key emoji — a not-so-subtle hint that the couple were, in his words, "locked in." Fans immediately seized on the clue, flooding the pair's comment sections with congratulations and speculation about a pending proposal.

From the pitch to the altar

The couple's relationship blossomed in an unlikely setting: the Baller League, the high-profile six-a-side competition that has drawn footballers, reality TV personalities and influencers into its orbit. Lehmann served as a manager for MVPs United, the team captained by McKenzie and fronted by YouTube megastar KSI — meaning the Swiss forward was, technically, her future fiancé's boss before romance entered the equation.

"It hasn't been much of a secret within the Baller League set up," a source previously told The Sun. "They hit it off straight away and have been going on dates afterwards. Alisha has been flying him to her Como apartment for sneaky weekend breaks for a while now — I don't think Montel could believe his luck."

The pair first went public in January, when both shared affectionate posts to mark Lehmann's birthday. McKenzie, who appeared on the original series of Love Island as well as its All Stars spin-off, paid a gushing tribute to the striker, while Lehmann reflected on "a year full of love, family, friends and all the beautiful people in my life."

A turbulent year on and off the pitch

The engagement caps a dramatic period for the 15-million-follower social media phenomenon. Lehmann returned to English football in January, signing for Leicester City through 2028 after spells in Italy with Como and Juventus — the latter of which saw her lift a Serie A title.

The couple's recent highs and lows

• McKenzie's triumph: The pair shared a tender on-pitch kiss as Montel celebrated a Baller League UK title win with the KSI-led MVPs United.
• Lehmann's setback: Leicester City suffered relegation from the Women's Super League following a heartbreaking penalty shootout play-off defeat to Charlton Athletic — a match Lehmann missed through injury.
• Silver linings: Despite limited minutes since her arrival, Lehmann was voted both Fans' Player of the Season and Goal of the Season, buoyed by her enormous online following.
• Fresh starts: Lehmann split from former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in 2025, while McKenzie ended his relationship with Love Island alum Kaz Crossley in June of the same year.

McKenzie, who has previously spoken about how their relationship lifted his game, told the Daily Mail that her presence on the sidelines pushed him to perform: "Once we did start speaking, it made me play a lot better. Knowing that she was on the side, if I made a bad pass, I needed to get back."

What's next

With Lehmann now weighing her future at Leicester — torn between fighting for promotion or seeking a fresh move — and McKenzie eyeing a permanent contract higher up the football pyramid, the engagement offers a moment of celebration amid an otherwise tumultuous stretch for the high-profile couple.

For now, fans of one of football's most-followed personalities will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter — and, perhaps, a wedding date.