Football & Reality Star Engagement
Football Stars Alisha Lehmann and Montel McKenzie Announce Engagement After Rapid Romance
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Key Points
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At the beach proposal, Alisha wore a black mini dress with white detailing and white sandals, while Montel wore a cream sleeveless knit top with shorts and trainers.
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The moment was captured on camera with Montel getting down on one knee and Alisha posting the caption Forever and Always.
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Congratulatory messages flowed from Love Island co-stars, including Casey O’Gorman, Ron Hall, Tyrique Hyde, Nas Majeed and Biggs Chris.
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Speculation of an engagement resurfaced in May after the couple were seen at a jeweller; it remains unclear whether Alisha helped pick the ring, and reports describe the ring as a huge diamond.
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The couple are connected to The Baller League: Alisha manages MVPs United while Montel plays for MVPs United.
Swiss footballer Alisha Lehmann and Love Island star Montel McKenzie are engaged. The couple announced the news on Instagram on June 24 with photos of a beachside proposal at sunset, captioned simply
The two have been dating since January 2026, when they went public on Lehmann's 27th birthday. That makes the engagement just six months after the relationship began. Lehmann plays as a forward for Leicester City Women and holds over 16 million Instagram followers, making the announcement an instant viral moment, according to Daily Mail.
A Beachside Proposal and a Diamond Ring
McKenzie got down on one knee at sunset on a beach, presenting Lehmann with what reports describe as a "huge diamond ring," according to TDPEL Media. Lehmann wore a black mini dress with white detailing and white sandals. McKenzie dressed casually in a cream sleeveless knit top, shorts, and trainers.
Both shared the same caption: "Forever & Always ❤️." The post drew millions of views within hours. Congratulations poured in from McKenzie's Love Island co-stars, including Tyrique Hyde, Nas Majeed, Casey O'Gorman, Ron Hall, and Biggs Chris, according to Nogomania.
Six Months From First Date to Engagement
The couple first crossed paths through The Baller League UK, a six-a-side football competition held at the Copper Box Arena in London. Lehmann manages the MVPs United team. McKenzie plays for that same squad. The "manager dates her player" dynamic raised eyebrows early on, according to Head Topics.
They went public on January 21, 2026 — Lehmann's birthday. Just one day later, she signed with Leicester City Women, a move widely seen as a way to stay close to McKenzie in England. By May, the couple was spotted at a high-end jeweller, sparking engagement rumours. McKenzie's team denied a proposal had happened — until now.
Lehmann Left Juventus and Douglas Luiz for a Fresh Start
Before McKenzie, Lehmann was in a four-year relationship with Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz. The pair moved to Juventus together in 2024. That relationship ended by late 2025, according to Nogomania. Lehmann then returned to England, winning a Serie A title with Juventus before her departure.
McKenzie brings his own complicated backstory. He appeared on Love Island Season 10 and again on All Stars 2025, where he lasted just five days before being eliminated. He has said that some traditional football clubs avoided him because of his "public profile." His engagement to a WSL star and international footballer marks a sharp turn in his story.
A Combined 17 Million Followers and a League Built on Their Romance
Together, Lehmann and McKenzie have a combined social media reach of more than 17 million. Sports marketing analysts say the engagement is also a win for The Baller League itself. The league — created by YouTuber KSI — blends semi-pro football with influencer culture. A high-profile romance born inside the league is exactly the kind of story that drives viewership, according to Head Topics.
Lehmann holds 65 caps and 10 goals for the Switzerland national team. McKenzie plays as a right-back for Folkestone Invicta at the semi-professional level. He once said that having Lehmann watching from the sideline "naturally gives you that push." Now the push has a diamond ring attached to it.
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