Female Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Teams: Arsenal and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the first English team to win the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and found her groove for her club, playing a crucial role throughout the season as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

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

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

She scored twelve league goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated 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:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that I can always control.

"Numerous elements 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 important matches come around, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The entire competition was a total emotional ride. There were ups and downs. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the last-eight game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"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.

"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 very composed, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the strategy and what we aimed to achieve.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because they're so talented. 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 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."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. 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 anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was something that I greatly admired."

Alessia Russo notched 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but she was also a persistent danger in the box throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Russo's ability to aid the side beyond scoring sets her apart.

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

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a defender got too close, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, no player was drawn more fouls than the forward (15).

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

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, Russo is regularly able to act as an outlet for her side in trouble.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone lead to goals, several of these she finishes personally.