Female Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

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

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they became the pioneering English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her club, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

Russo 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, earning a share of the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and provided assists 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 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 requires precision and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at the club. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the important matches arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the last-eight game, a lot of us were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that whole day was just being so calm, 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 wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"As players in the high press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But in the end that led to success. I think that you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of watching her a few times with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League last season to share the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but Russo was also a persistent danger in the penalty area all season long, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team outside of her goals sets her apart.

Fellow player a teammate regularly played progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

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

If a defender got in tight, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, 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 surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses few contacts on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in difficult scenarios, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her team under pressure.

She can convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.