Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the first English team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their European Championship title.

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

The forward was named the FWA's women's footballer of the year for the previous campaign.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve league goals for Arsenal and set up for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I'm confident my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so those are aspects that I can always control.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at the club. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches arrive, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"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 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 throughout that whole tournament 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 best teams in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we knew 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 wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because they're so talented. When they do have the ball, they don't give it away frequently.

"As players in the high press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. 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 OK securing victories in that manner 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 dad. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than all her peers.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered progressive passes into her, so effective ball retention was essential.

Russo's ability to drop deep, creating space from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, she used her body well to win free-kicks, helping her team gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in difficult scenarios, Russo is regularly able to act as an outlet for her side in trouble.

She is able turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and such phases in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.