Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering English team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in 2008, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her team, making significant contributions all campaign long as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was named the FWA's top female player for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

She scored twelve WSL goals for the club and provided assists for a further two.

Her name was put forward for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I know I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects 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. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the last-eight game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And we were aware 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 whole day was just being very composed, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we believed in the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they don't give it away that often.

"As players in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. There was extensive movement 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 father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But observing her play was something that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in twenty-one games in the WSL last season to share 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 all season long, taking more shots (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

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

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played forward balls into Russo, so effective ball retention was necessary.

Russo's ability to drop deep, creating space from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got too close, she used her body well to win free-kicks, helping her team 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 rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

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

She is able convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.