Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Striker Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the first English team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the defence of their continental crown.

She scored in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

Russo was named the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

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

She scored twelve league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

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

Russo on how she feels she has improved 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 number nine position, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. 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 arrive, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. 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.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we were confident we'd done the work, 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 possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it frequently.

"As players in the high press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. 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 OK 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 dad. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I hope that she could have played longer and still be playing now, 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 observing her play was something that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in twenty-one games in the WSL last season to divide the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the box throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team outside of her goals sets her apart.

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

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, no player was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she remains aware of where opponents are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, 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 controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she finishes personally.