Female Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Playing Role: Striker Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with Arsenal as they became the first English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their continental crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship final and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

Russo was honored as the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted 12 WSL goals for the club and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA and the European 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'm confident I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I recall 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. The schedule is relentless.

"In my view the way that we won during the event was just grit and resilience. 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 grind out results."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that whole day was just being very composed, like we knew we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept 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 highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that led to success. 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. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I wish 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 didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, taking more shots (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than all her peers.

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

Team-mate Mariona Caldentey often delivered progressive passes into her, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

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

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (15).

When the play settles, her control are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players marking closely, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

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

She is able turn difficult passes into long periods of stable possession and these possessions in the opponent's final third result in scores, many of which she ends up scoring herself.