Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Teams: The Gunners and the English national team

Alessia Russo made history with her club as they emerged as the first English team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also helped guide England to the defence of their continental crown.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

The forward was honored as the FWA'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 12 league goals for the club and set up for a couple more.

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

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"My top performances come when I'm having fun and I'm confident my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, 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'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 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 was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they don't give it away that often.

"As players in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that led to success. I think that you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think those who teamed up with her would agree and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But observing her play was something that I always used to love."

The striker notched twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than all her peers.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey often delivered forward balls into Russo, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to draw fouls, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, nobody 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 opponents are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is regularly able 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 ends up scoring herself.