Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

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

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they became the first British team to win the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also helped guide England to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was named the FWA's top female player for last season.

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

She scored twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European season's best XIs.

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 that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are tiny differences. I'm always still learning. We have great coaches here at the club. There are top teammates to learn off as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] 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 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 best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally 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 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.

"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.

"We as athletes in the high press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that led to success. In my opinion you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that she could have played longer and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But watching her was something that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to share the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the box all season long, taking more shots (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side outside of her goals sets her apart.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered 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 sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her body well to win free-kicks, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the European tournament the prior year, no player was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the ball does stick, her control are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her surroundings 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 locating close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

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

She can convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and such phases in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she ends up scoring herself.