Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering British team to win the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in 2008, and also helped guide England to the defence of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her team, making significant contributions throughout the season as an attacker and with her work off the ball.

Russo was honored as the FWA's top female player for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA and the European season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I know my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so that's something 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. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games come around, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

On winning Euro 2025 with England:

"The whole tournament was a total emotional ride. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally 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 knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we believed in the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they retain it that often.

"As players in the high press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that led to success. 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 got the pleasure of seeing her play a few times with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I think those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

The striker scored 12 goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to divide the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but Russo was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Russo's ability to contribute to the team outside of her goals sets her apart.

Team-mate a teammate often delivered progressive passes into her, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a defender got in tight, she used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, nobody was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the ball does stick, her control are highly effective. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She can turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.