Female Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward made history with her club 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 England to the defence of their European Championship title.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

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

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve WSL 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 season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"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.

"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. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the last-eight game, many players 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 team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the best players in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that stands out from that whole day was just being very composed, like we were confident we'd done the work, 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 must accept not possessing 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. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But in the end 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 was fortunate of watching her 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 ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was something that I always used to love."

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

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

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

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, creating space from her nearby marker through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a marker got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, no player was drawn more fouls than the forward (15).

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

Russo takes few contacts on the ball, directing it away from opposing players marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, she is regularly able to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She is able turn difficult passes into extended spells of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, several of these she ends up scoring herself.