Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Clubs: The Gunners and the English national team

The talented forward made history with her club as they emerged as the first English team to win the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their European Championship title.

She scored in the Euro 2025 showpiece match and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's top female player for the previous campaign.

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted 12 league goals for Arsenal and set up for a further two.

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

Russo on how she feels she has improved 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.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are tiny differences. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at the club. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games arrive, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were extremely sore and injured. It was so intense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that stands out from that whole day was just being very composed, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But in the end that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

The striker scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the box all season long, taking more shots (seventy-three) 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.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played forward balls into Russo, so effective ball retention was essential.

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a defender got too close, Russo used her body well to win free-kicks, assisting the side gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the European tournament last season, nobody was drawn more fouls than the forward (15).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

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

She can turn difficult passes into long periods of stable possession and these possessions in the opponent's final third result in scores, many of which she ends up scoring herself.