BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 contender Alessia Russo

Alessia Russo, 26, is a name on everyone's lips in the football world right now. The English forward has been making waves with her outstanding performances for both Arsenal and England.

Last season was a historic one for Russo as she helped Arsenal win the Women's Champions League for the first time since 2008. This achievement marked a milestone not just for the club but also for women's football in Britain, as it showcased the growth of the sport in the country.

Russo's incredible goal-scoring record did not go unnoticed. She scored 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League (WSL), sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw. Her impressive display earned her the title of Football Writers' Association women's footballer of the year for last season.

Russo's impact on the pitch extends beyond scoring goals. Her exceptional work rate, ability to drop deep, and skill in drawing fouls make her a constant threat for opposing teams.

In the Euro 2025 final, Russo played a pivotal role as England won their defense of the title. She scored in the final and helped guide her team through what was described as 'a complete rollercoaster' tournament.

Russo's dedication to her craft is evident in her words about how she feels she has improved over the past year. "I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself," she said. "That's something that I can always control." Her calm and collected demeanor, even under intense pressure, are qualities that set her apart from other players.

Russo's idol is none other than England legend Kelly Smith. She has spoken highly of Smith, describing her as 'one of the best ever.'

The 2025 Ballon d'Or nominations have been announced, with Russo in the running for one of the top honors in women's football. Her impressive form throughout the season makes a strong case for her selection.

For fans and pundits alike, Alessia Russo is an exciting talent to watch.

Russo's rise to fame got me thinking, how do we balance individual success with team achievements? I mean, she did win that Champions League trophy with Arsenal, but what about the collective effort of her teammates? Shouldn't we be recognizing their contributions as well? It's like in politics, you can't just focus on one player and ignore the rest. You gotta consider the whole squad. And let's not forget, she's been playing in a system that's still evolving, so credit to her for adapting and thriving. But at the same time, we need to hold her accountable for how she performs as part of a team. It's all about balance, right? ️

Alessia Russo is defo on fire right now ! She's been absolutely phenomenal for Arsenal and England, and that WSL title win was huge for women's football in the UK. I mean, 12 goals in 21 games? That's insane . And her work rate is so impressive - she can drop deep and draw fouls like nobody's business . I love how she's staying humble too, saying she plays best when she's enjoying herself. You can tell she's got a great attitude on the pitch . As for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, I think she's definitely in the running - her form is just that good . And it's cool to see her idolizing Kelly Smith too - what a legend!

OMG I'm literally loving this girl's game! She's like a total boss on the pitch , always giving it 110% effort and leaving those opposing teams in the dust . Her work rate is insane and she's got that magic goal-scoring record going for her . And can we talk about how calm and cool she stays under pressure? Like, I wish I could be as chill as Alessia Russo when things get tough . Anyways, the 2025 Ballon d'Or nominations would be so wrong if she didn't make it ! She's the real deal .

She's defo on fire rn ️! I mean, 12 goals in 21 games is INSANE . And that Euro 2025 final win was pure magic . The way she controls the game and draws fouls is so underrated . I love how she's always staying true to herself and playing for enjoyment . She's got the skills, speed, and determination – what more can you ask for? And speaking of idols, Kelly Smith is an awesome choice . Can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented lady !

I'm loving the buzz around Alessia Russo right now! She's absolutely on fire ! I mean, 12 goals in 21 games is insane! And that WSL Golden Boot win was a huge milestone for women's football in Britain. Not to mention her role in England's Euro 2025 final win – what a legend she's turning out to be! Her work rate and ability to draw fouls are so underrated, but they're definitely making her a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

And you know, I love that she's got Kelly Smith as her idol – what an inspiration for young players! But honestly, Russo is the real deal now. She's not just scoring goals, she's dominating games. And that quote about playing best when enjoying herself? So true! The 2025 Ballon d'Or nominations are well-deserved, if you ask me... fingers crossed for her!

I'm loving the buzz around Alessia Russo right now she's like a breath of fresh air for English football - so talented, dedicated & down-to-earth what I love most about her is that she's still got that childlike enthusiasm on the pitch, it's infectious

I'm low-key loving how all these girls are slaying the pitch! Like, can't we just give Russo the award already? She's literally making women's football look fire . And I mean, her idol is Kelly Smith? Goals! The fact that she's carrying England to Euro 2025 titles and breaking records left and right... girl needs some recognition . Can we talk about how underrated Russo was pre-last season? She went from obscurity to Ballon d'Or nom next thing you know ️. Anyone else think she's gonna sweep the awards or what?

OMG, I'm so hyped about Alessia Russo right now! She's literally breaking records left and right on the pitch and off it too! From scoring those stunning goals in the WSL to helping England win Euro 2025, she's proving why she's one of the best in women's football today! Her dedication and work rate are truly inspiring - I mean, who wouldn't want to be like her out there on the pitch? And can we talk about how cool it is that she's got Kelly Smith as her idol? The future of women's football looks bright with players like Russo leading the charge! #AlessiaRussoForTheBallonDor #WomenInFootball # FootballGoals

OMG u gotta check out Alessia Russo, she's been ON FIRE this season! 12 goals in 21 games? That's insane! And that Golden Boot win with Khadija Shaw? So satisfying to see a female player getting the recognition they deserve. I love how she talks about playing her best football when she's enjoying herself - it's so true, isn't it? She's got this calm and collected vibe on the pitch that just makes her even more formidable. Kelly Smith is definitely one of the greatest ever, but Russo's got some serious skills too! Fingers crossed for her at the 2025 Ballon d'Or

Wow this girl is on fire she's been breaking records left and right from scoring goals in the WSL to helping England win Euro 2025 what's even more impressive is her humility about how much she's improved over the past year, like she genuinely enjoys playing football

man she's on fire this girl's got skills for days i mean 12 goals in 21 games? that's insane! but what really impresses me is how she carries herself on the pitch - so calm and collected, even when the game is on the line plus her work rate is next level, always dropping deep and drawing fouls... opposing teams can't even touch her

and can we talk about her idol, Kelly Smith? that's amazing kelly smith is a legend in the sport, and it's awesome to see Russo looking up to her as a role model

now i'm not gonna lie, i get a little nostalgic for the old days when women's football wasn't as popular... but this generation, like Russo, is taking it to new heights they're breaking down barriers and pushing the sport forward, and that's something to be celebrated

I'm not sure how much I buy into all this hype around Alessia Russo... 26 and already being called one of the best? I mean, don't get me wrong, she's definitely got some impressive stats, but let's see her do it for an entire season without any major injuries or suspensions. And what about her team, Arsenal? Can they sustain this level of success in future seasons?

And I'm also curious to know more about that Golden Boot share with Khadija Shaw... how did that work out exactly? Was it a joint effort, or was one of them pulling ahead? And what's with all the talk about her "exceptional work rate" and ability to draw fouls? I've seen plenty of players do those things without being as dominant on the pitch.

I'm also skeptical about the whole "she plays my best football when I'm enjoying myself" thing... isn't that just a pretty vague statement? How does she define "enjoying herself"? And what about when the going gets tough, and she's not feeling it? Can she still step up and deliver under pressure?

Lastly, while I think Kelly Smith is an England legend, I'm not sure how much impact Russo will have on her legacy... is Russo just a one-season wonder, or does she have something more to offer?

I'm lovin' this girl's vibes on the pitch! She's not just about score goals, she's got game sense too. I mean, have you seen her drop deep and create chaos for the opposing team? Genius! And let's be real, that Euro 2025 final win was pure magic. The way she scored and led England to victory is inspiring, not just for football fans but for anyone chasing their dreams.

What I love most about Russo is her humble attitude and gratitude towards her idol Kelly Smith. She's showing us all that kindness and respect go a long way in this game. And let's give it up for her stats too - 12 goals in 21 games? That's some serious skill right there!

As for the Ballon d'Or nominations, I'm rooting for Russo to get the recognition she deserves. She's proving that women's football is more than just a pretty face (although, have you seen those cheeky celebrations of hers? ).

All in all, Alessia Russo is the real MVP (Most Valuable Player) right now, and I'm so here for it!

I mean can you believe she's only 26 and already winning all these major titles? Like what even is she doing on that pitch? She's got this crazy work rate and ability to draw fouls too... I'm loving how she speaks about playing when she's enjoying herself - it's so refreshing. Her idol Kelly Smith is awesome btw, I love how much she looks up to her. And now she's in the running for the Ballon d'Or? Like Russo all the way!

I think what sets Alessia apart from other players is her unique blend of skills on the pitch . She's not just a goal-scorer, she can also control the tempo of the game with her exceptional work rate and ability to drop deep . And let's be real, scoring 12 goals in 21 games is no joke! Her dedication to improvement is inspiring too - it's clear that she's always looking for ways to get better and enjoy herself while doing so . The fact that she cites Kelly Smith as her idol is awesome too - someone who's been a trailblazer for women's football in England. Now, let's see if she can keep up the pressure...