Female Footballer of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the first British team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their continental title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

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

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

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

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"My top performances come 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 I can always control.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. The schedule is relentless.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that whole day was just being very composed, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away frequently.

"We as athletes in the high press and defensively, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a few times with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But observing her play was someone that I greatly admired."

The striker notched twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

Russo's ability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

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

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, creating space from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, she used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (15).

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

She uses few contacts on the ball, directing it away from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

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

She can convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.