Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and England

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the first British team to win the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their continental crown.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final 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 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.

Russo netted 12 league goals for the club and provided assists for a couple more.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and named in the PFA and the European teams of the year.

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

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I know I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. We have great coaches 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 comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were extremely sore and injured. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"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 the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against the best teams 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 I can remember from that entire occasion 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 team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they don't give it away that often.

"We as athletes in the press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that's what got the job done. In my opinion you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a few times with my father. Seeing her for England, 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 think 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 something that I greatly admired."

The striker scored 12 goals in twenty-one games in the WSL the previous campaign to share the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the box all season long, 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 a teammate regularly played forward balls into her, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got too close, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, assisting the side gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents 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 release option 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 result in scores, many of which she finishes personally.