Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

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

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they emerged as the pioneering British team to win the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also helped guide 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 as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

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

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored 12 league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a further two.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and named in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at the club. There are top teammates to learn off as well. Then when the big games come around, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

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

"I recall after the last-eight game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. The schedule is relentless.

"In my view the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, 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 sometimes you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day 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 aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, 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 high press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. In my opinion you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But observing her play was something that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo scored 12 goals in twenty-one games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side outside of her goals distinguishes her.

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

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

If a marker got too close, she used her physicality to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the play settles, her control are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she remains aware of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

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

She is able turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.