Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they became the first English team to claim victory in 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 title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for the previous campaign.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

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

Her name was put forward for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European teams of the year.

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.

"There's so many different aspects to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"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 Sweden [quarter-final] 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.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being very composed, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we believed in the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"As players in the high press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement 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 was fortunate of seeing her play a few times with my father. Seeing her for England, 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 believe 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 scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League last season to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area throughout the campaign, taking more shots (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

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

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

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a marker got too close, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, no player was fouled more than the forward (15).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

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

She is able convert tough balls into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.