Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Teams: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the pioneering British team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

Russo was honored as the Football Writers' Association's top female player for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the top scorer award with her rival striker.

Russo netted twelve league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European 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 that's something that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a total emotional ride. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the last-eight game, many players were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. 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 I think that we knew that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

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

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we knew we'd done the work, 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 team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away that often.

"As players in the press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. 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 got the pleasure of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But watching her was someone that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than all her peers.

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

Team-mate a teammate regularly played forward balls into Russo, so effective ball retention was essential.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her nearby marker through quick, incisive runs stood out.

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, no player was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, her control are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before finding close colleagues oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is regularly able to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She is able turn difficult passes into extended spells of stable possession and these possessions in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.