Alessia Russo, the 26-year-old Arsenal and England forward, is a contender for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in 2025. Russo made history with Arsenal as they became the first British team to win the Women's Champions League since 2008. The team's victory marked a significant milestone, cementing their status as one of Europe's top clubs.
Russo played a crucial role in Arsenal's success, scoring in the Euro 2025 final and helping her team win the tournament. Her performances on the field were impressive, with Russo netting 12 goals in 21 games for Arsenal in the Women's Super League last season. She also provided assists for two more goals.
Russo's individual awards are a testament to her hard work and dedication. In addition to being named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year, she shared the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw in the Women's Super League. Russo was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the UEFA Champions League teams of the year.
Russo credited her improvement over the past year to enjoying herself on the field, controlling what she can, and learning from coaches and teammates. She praised Arsenal's coaching staff and players for helping her improve.
In the Euro 2025 final against Sweden, Russo reflected on the experience as a rollercoaster of emotions. She highlighted the importance of grit and resilience in winning the tournament. Russo noted that playing against top teams requires grit and being willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Russo also spoke about the Champions League final against Barcelona. The forward praised her team's ability to stay calm and focused, using their job description during press situations. Russo admitted to enjoying the challenge of playing against a talented team like Barcelona.
Throughout the season, Russo demonstrated exceptional skills outside of scoring goals. She used her body effectively to draw fouls, creating opportunities for her teammates to gain possession in the opponent's half. Russo was also efficient with touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders and finding teammates positioned towards the goal.
Russo has been named one of the top players in the Women's Super League, earning a reputation as a constant threat outside of scoring goals. Her ability to control passes, drop deep, and draw fouls sets her apart from other players. Russo continues to inspire fans with her impressive skills on the field.
Russo played a crucial role in Arsenal's success, scoring in the Euro 2025 final and helping her team win the tournament. Her performances on the field were impressive, with Russo netting 12 goals in 21 games for Arsenal in the Women's Super League last season. She also provided assists for two more goals.
Russo's individual awards are a testament to her hard work and dedication. In addition to being named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year, she shared the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw in the Women's Super League. Russo was also nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the UEFA Champions League teams of the year.
Russo credited her improvement over the past year to enjoying herself on the field, controlling what she can, and learning from coaches and teammates. She praised Arsenal's coaching staff and players for helping her improve.
In the Euro 2025 final against Sweden, Russo reflected on the experience as a rollercoaster of emotions. She highlighted the importance of grit and resilience in winning the tournament. Russo noted that playing against top teams requires grit and being willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Russo also spoke about the Champions League final against Barcelona. The forward praised her team's ability to stay calm and focused, using their job description during press situations. Russo admitted to enjoying the challenge of playing against a talented team like Barcelona.
Throughout the season, Russo demonstrated exceptional skills outside of scoring goals. She used her body effectively to draw fouls, creating opportunities for her teammates to gain possession in the opponent's half. Russo was also efficient with touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders and finding teammates positioned towards the goal.
Russo has been named one of the top players in the Women's Super League, earning a reputation as a constant threat outside of scoring goals. Her ability to control passes, drop deep, and draw fouls sets her apart from other players. Russo continues to inspire fans with her impressive skills on the field.
! 12 goals in 21 games for Arsenal is insane! And that Euro 2025 final win was everything 
I'm so hyped to see her name pop up for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year again this year. She's got the skills, the work ethic, and the confidence - what more can u ask for? 
Also gotta say, her team's victory in the Champions League is a huge deal, marking a new era for British women's football 
. I'm loving how she's taking it all in stride and just enjoying the ride. She deserves all the recognition she's getting! 
i mean can't even believe they won that Champions League final against Barcelona 
it's like, Alessia Russo is just a total boss on the pitch 
and i love how she stays so calm under pressure 
gotta give props to her coaches and teammates too 
, imo she's overrated. Everyone's always going on about how great she is, but I think it's 'cause she played in a few big games and got some individual awards 
. Has anyone seen her play against teams that are actually tough? Like, seriously tough? I don't think so... She's just another player who's getting all the hype because of who she plays for, you know? And don't even get me started on the whole "she's an inspiration to fans" thing 
. Please, there are plenty of other female footballers out there who are way more skilled and dedicated than her.
She's a shining example of what it takes to be a game-changer in women's football, but let's not forget the systemic issues that still plague our sports landscape 
. How many female players have to break barriers just to get noticed? 
The fact that Russo is being recognized for her achievements feels like progress, but we need more women in leadership positions to make real change happen 
. And can't help but wonder, how much of Russo's success is due to the quality of her coaching staff and teammates versus her individual dedication? 
More research needed on this front 
anyway, i guess it's nice that she's getting recognized for her hard work but let's be real, there are way more talented players out there... like, have you seen the stats on other teams in the league? Russo might've had 12 goals, but what about all those other teams with multiple top scorers? also, the fact that she "enjoyed herself" on the field is so vague... does that mean she was just having a good time or was she actually working hard to improve her game? idk, maybe i'm just cynical 
Alessia Russo is literally on fire 
! I'm so proud of her for making history with Arsenal and helping them win that incredible Champions League title 
. Her hard work and dedication really paid off, and it's amazing to see her skills improving over time 
. I love how she credits her coaches and teammates for helping her grow as a player - teamwork makes the dream work 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to watch her play against Barcelona? 
The way she stays calm under pressure and finds those creative passes is just pure magic 
. She's definitely one of my favorite players right now! 
. And can we talk about her skills outside of scoring goals? Like, she's literally a master at drawing fouls and creating opportunities for her teammates 
I'm obsessed with watching her play now! 
and can we talk about her grit & resilience? 
fingers crossed for her!