Safia Middleton-Patel, the talented goalkeeper for both Wales and Manchester United, has expressed profound gratitude towards Lucy Bronze for her candidness about living with autism and ADHD. Bronze, a celebrated England and Chelsea full-back, shared her experiences in a heartfelt discussion with former Lionesses teammate Alex Scott in March 2023.

Middleton-Patel, who herself was diagnosed with autism in 2023, found Bronze's openness both enlightening and empowering. "Lucy Bronze has always been a role model for me since my days at the Liverpool academy," Middleton-Patel remarked on 5 Live Sport. "Her willingness to discuss her diagnoses has been a significant source of confidence for me. While our diagnoses differ, we share the experience of navigating high-level sports environments."

The young goalkeeper, who made her club debut on loan at Coventry United and her senior international debut for Wales in the same week in February 2023, faced overwhelming challenges during this whirlwind period. "I was 18 and at United's academy when I hit a brick wall," she recalled. "Making my Championship debut with Coventry and then my debut with Wales in the same week was intense. I remember flying home and feeling like everything had crashed around me. I couldn't function, speak, or even regulate my temperature."

Seeking help was a pivotal moment for Middleton-Patel. "I was being so hard on myself and struggling with daily activities. I thought there was something wrong with me, but now I realize it was just the way my brain worked," she added.

This season, Middleton-Patel has made one appearance for Manchester United in the League Cup and recently earned her third international start, where she made crucial saves in a 1-1 draw with Sweden in the Nations League. As she vies for selection in the upcoming Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland, Middleton-Patel is eager to face England, the defending champions. "I'm just so proud to be Welsh. When we got that draw, we were all ecstatic. It's one thing going to the Euros, but it's another thing playing the champions and teammates," she said.

Middleton-Patel's journey is a testament to the strength and resilience required to excel in women's football, especially when navigating neurodiversity in elite sports. Her story underscores the importance of openness and support in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.