Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Playing Role: Forward Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the first British team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading England to the successful retention of their continental crown.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

The forward was honored as the Football Writers' Association's top female player for the previous campaign.

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the PFA and the European season's best XIs.

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

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so those are aspects that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to learn off as well. Then when the important matches come around, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. The schedule is relentless.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the team, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we knew we'd done the work, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it that often.

"As players in the high press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be OK winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think those who teamed up with her would agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the box all season long, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Russo's ability to aid the side outside of her goals sets her apart.

Team-mate Mariona Caldentey regularly played forward balls into her, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a defender got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, nobody was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the play settles, her control are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, before locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is often capable to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.