Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Striker Teams: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward made history with her club as they emerged as the first English team to win the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their continental crown.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her team, making significant contributions 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 last season.

Russo finished as the WSL's joint top scorer, sharing the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted 12 league goals for the club and provided assists for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"My top performances come 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 are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects to a striker's role, it requires precision 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 big games come around, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the last-eight game, a lot of us were extremely sore and injured. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. The schedule is relentless.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"You're playing against the best teams in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

Discussing the European final:

"The main emotion that stands out from that whole day was just being so calm, like we were confident 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've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away frequently.

"We as athletes in the high press and defensively, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

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

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the box throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than all her peers.

Her capability to aid the side beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played forward balls 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 was notable.

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the play settles, her control are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

She uses few contacts on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

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

She is able convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she ends up scoring herself.