Female Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they became the first British team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the defence of their continental title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her club, playing a crucial role all campaign long as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

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

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

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for the club and provided assists for a further two.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and named in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I know I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches come around, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a total emotional ride. There were ups and downs. 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. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. 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 squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being so calm, like we were confident we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, 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 must accept not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they retain it that often.

"As players in the press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that led to success. In my opinion you have to be OK winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a couple of occasions with my dad. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, 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 always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

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

Fellow player a teammate 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 sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got too close, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the European tournament the prior year, nobody was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding close colleagues oriented forward.

By keeping possession 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 stable possession and such phases in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.