Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the pioneering English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their continental title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her club, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's top female player for last season.

Russo finished as the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot 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 selected in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I'm confident I'm training hard 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. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates to learn off as well. Then when the big games come around, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the last-eight game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just grit and resilience. And I think that we knew that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we believed in the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it frequently.

"We as athletes in the high press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. In my opinion you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my dad. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But observing her play was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the competition but she was also a persistent danger in the penalty area throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

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

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through quick, incisive runs stood out.

If a defender got in tight, she used her physicality to win free-kicks, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament the prior year, no player was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

By keeping possession in difficult scenarios, Russo is regularly able to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

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