Female Soccer Player of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, and also helped guide England to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's top female player for the previous campaign.

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

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games 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 complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"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. 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 team, we knew that we had what it takes.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and sometimes 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 knew 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.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because they're so talented. When they do have the ball, they retain it 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 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 was fortunate of seeing her play a few times with my dad. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

The striker scored 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the box all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Russo's ability to aid the side outside of her goals sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey often delivered forward balls into her, so effective ball retention was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender 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 European tournament last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the play settles, her control are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear 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 team under pressure.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she ends up scoring herself.