Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Striker Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the pioneering English team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the successful retention of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her team, playing a crucial role throughout the season as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

The forward was honored as the Football Writers' Association's top female player for the previous campaign.

She was the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve WSL goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

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

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, 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 learn off as well. Then when the big games come around, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the last-eight game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. The schedule is relentless.

"In my view 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.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we knew we'd done the work, 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 side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"We as athletes in the press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that led to success. I think that you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate 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 was one of the best ever.

"I think those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But observing her play was something that I always used to love."

The striker scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the WSL last season to divide the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the competition but Russo 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 contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, she used her physicality to win free-kicks, assisting the side secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the ball does stick, her control are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is often capable to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She is able turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone lead to goals, several of these she finishes personally.