Alessia Russo has won England women's player of the year for the second time in three seasons. The Arsenal forward, 27, also took the award two seasons ago, and this time the vote came straight from supporters.
She finished ahead of Chelsea pair Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton. "To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans. I am so grateful for their support," Russo said. "A big thank you also to my team-mates - it is always about the collective."
A season of steady output
Her 2025-26 campaign has been a constant. Russo has featured in all 10 England games and scored five goals. She started nine of them, including all six of the Lionesses' 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Last week she scored the third goal as England beat Greece 3-1 in the first leg of their World Cup play-off semi-final. The second leg is at Leicester's King Power Stadium on Tuesday.
She is also among 30 players nominated in September for the women's Ballon d'Or. Alex Greenwood is the only other English player on that shortlist.
From a debut cameo to 31 goals
Russo has represented England at every level from under-15s upwards. Her first senior cap came as a substitute against Spain in the final game of the 2020 SheBelieves Cup. Since then she has scored 31 goals in 68 games for her country and helped England win Euro 2022 and then retain the title three years later.
At club level she was the top English scorer in the Women's Super League last season, with 13 goals and six assists. In May she scored twice in a 3-0 win at Aston Villa that helped Arsenal secure Champions League qualification.
The award arrives at a useful moment. With the second leg against Greece to come, England have a forward in form and a reminder from supporters that she is the one they trust. One fan-voted prize does not win a tie, but it does not hurt.
Player facts: Alessia Russo, 27, Arsenal and England. 31 goals in 68 England games. 13 WSL goals and six assists last season. England beat Greece 3-1 in the first leg of the 2027 World Cup play-off semi-final; second leg at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday. Source: BBC Sport.
0 Comments