Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

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

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the pioneering British 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 successful retention of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship final and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

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

She was the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, sharing the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted 12 league goals for the club and set up for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"I play my best football 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. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the important matches arrive, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a total emotional ride. There were ups and downs. 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. It was so intense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"In my view the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had what it takes.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes 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 game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it frequently.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that led to success. I think that you have to be content winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a couple of occasions 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 anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to divide the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Russo's ability to contribute to the team outside of her goals distinguishes her.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played progressive passes into her, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

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

If a marker got too close, Russo used her body well to win free-kicks, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League the prior year, nobody was drawn more fouls than the forward (15).

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

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, 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 convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she ends up scoring herself.