Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Forward Teams: The Gunners and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they became the pioneering British team to win the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading England to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was honored as the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for the previous campaign.

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

Russo netted 12 league goals for the club and provided assists for a further two.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the previous season:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I know my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it requires precision and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at the club. I have great players 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 whole tournament was a total emotional ride. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the last-eight game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"In my view 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 sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we knew 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.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"As players in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I wish that she could have played longer and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But observing her play was something that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo scored 12 goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, taking more shots (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Russo's ability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

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

Russo's ability to drop deep, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament the prior year, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, her control are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

By keeping possession in difficult scenarios, she is often capable to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

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