Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering English team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, 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 showpiece match and found her groove for her team, making significant contributions throughout the season as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was honored as the Football Writers' Association's top female player for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored 12 WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the past year:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I'm confident I'm training hard 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'm always still learning. We have great coaches here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches come around, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were extremely sore and injured. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"In my view the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew 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 occasionally you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion 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 trusted the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"As players in the press and out of possession, we were really focused on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that led to success. In my opinion you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would agree and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but she was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, taking more shots (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 a teammate regularly played progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, she used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament the prior year, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, her control are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before locating close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, she is often capable to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She is able turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.