Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Playing Role: Forward Clubs: The Gunners and the English national team

The talented forward made history with her club as they emerged as the first British team to win the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and hit top form for her team, making significant contributions all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was honored as 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, sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted 12 WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European season's best XIs.

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

"My top performances come when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches arrive, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. 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 throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and sometimes you have to grind out results."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being very composed, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, 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 their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"As players in the high press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. In my opinion you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a few times with my father. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I wish that she could have played longer and she was active today, but she ranks among the greats.

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

The striker notched 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

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, taking more shots (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team outside of her goals distinguishes her.

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

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through quick, incisive runs stood out.

If a defender got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses few contacts on the ball, moving it clear from defenders marking closely, before locating close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, 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 ends up scoring herself.