Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Striker Teams: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the first British team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their continental title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was honored as the FWA's top female player for last season.

Russo finished as the WSL's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored twelve league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European season's best XIs.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the past year:

"My top performances come when I'm having fun and I know my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, so that's something that I can always control.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games come around, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a total emotional ride. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the last-eight game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. The schedule is relentless.

"In my view the way that we won during the event was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against the best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being so calm, like we were confident we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they don't give it away frequently.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that her career lasted more and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would agree and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But watching her was someone that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo notched 12 goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got too close, Russo used her physicality to draw fouls, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League the prior year, nobody was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, her control are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before finding close colleagues oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.