Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and England

The talented forward made history with her club as they emerged as the first British team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the Euro 2025 final and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was named the FWA's women's footballer of the year for the previous campaign.

She was the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored twelve league goals for the club and provided assists for a further two.

Her name was put forward for the 2025 Ballon d'Or and selected in the PFA and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year.

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

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I know I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. 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 important matches come around, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The whole tournament was a total emotional ride. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the last-eight game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. 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 determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being so calm, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we trusted the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they don't give it away that often.

"As players in the press and out of possession, we were really focused on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But in the end 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 father. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I hope 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 agree and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

The striker notched 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to divide the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Team-mate a teammate regularly played forward balls into her, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament 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 environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders marking closely, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, she is often capable to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into extended spells of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she ends up scoring herself.