Female Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Teams: The Gunners and England

Alessia Russo made history with her club as they became the pioneering British team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their continental crown.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her team, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

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

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the PFA and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. 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 arrive, 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. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

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

"I think the way that we won during the event was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had what it takes.

"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."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we were confident 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 wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, 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 plenty of defending. But in the end that led to success. In my opinion you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a few times with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But observing her play was someone that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in 21 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 league but she was also a persistent danger in the penalty area 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 beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered forward balls into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a marker got in tight, she used her physicality to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (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 few contacts on the ball, moving it clear from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She is able convert tough balls into long periods of stable possession and these possessions in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.