Female Footballer of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward made history with her club as they became the first English team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and hit top form for her team, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's top female player for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored 12 WSL goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA and the European season's best XIs.

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

"My top performances come when I'm having fun and I know my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so those are aspects that I can always control.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. We have great coaches here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"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 you've got to turn it around quickly. 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 squad, we knew that we had what it takes.

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

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that whole day was just being very composed, like we knew we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, 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 their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"We as athletes in the high press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. 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 winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of watching her a few times with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that she could have played longer and she was active today, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I greatly admired."

The striker scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, taking more shots (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (9.7) 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 strong hold-up play was essential.

Russo's ability to drop deep, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her body well to win free-kicks, assisting the side secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the European tournament the prior year, no player was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she remains aware of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding close colleagues oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, Russo is regularly able to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

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