Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they emerged as the pioneering British team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in 2008, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the successful retention of their continental title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and found her groove for her club, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for last season.

She was the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted 12 WSL goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a further two.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the PFA and the European 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 know my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, 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 gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The entire competition was a total emotional ride. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

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

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day 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 believed in the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"As players in the high press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But ultimately that led to success. In my opinion you have to be OK winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a few times with my father. Watching her internationally, 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 think those who teamed up with her 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 notched twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL the previous campaign to share the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a persistent danger in the box throughout the campaign, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team outside of her goals distinguishes her.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered progressive passes into her, 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, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, no player was drawn more fouls than the forward (15).

When the play settles, 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, directing it away from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into extended spells of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she finishes personally.