Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo created a legacy with her club as they emerged as the first English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their continental title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was named the FWA's top female player for last season.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

She scored 12 league goals for the club and provided assists for a couple more.

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 having fun and I'm confident my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at the club. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

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

"I recall after the last-eight game, a lot of us 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 grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

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

Discussing the European final:

"The main emotion that stands out from that entire occasion was just being very composed, 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 aimed to achieve.

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

"As players in the high 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's what got the job done. In my opinion you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of seeing her play a couple of occasions 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 ranks among the greats.

"I think those who teamed up with her would agree and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a persistent danger in the penalty area throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side outside of her goals sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey often delivered progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League the prior year, no player was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before locating nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

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

She is able convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and such phases in the opponent's final third result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.