Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has been named England Women’s Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season following a national fan vote, the team announced on Sunday. The 27-year-old forward finished ahead of Chelsea defensive and goalkeeping pair Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, who placed second and third in the poll. This marks the second time Russo has claimed the prestigious honor, having previously won the award during the 2023-24 campaign.
The recognition caps a prolific period for the Arsenal striker at both domestic and international levels. During the recent Women’s Super League season, Russo finished as the highest-scoring English player in the competition, netting 13 goals and providing six assists. Her contributions included a crucial double in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in May, a result that secured the club’s qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
International Impact and World Cup Qualifiers
On the international stage, Russo has been an indispensable component of manager Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Over the past year, she has featured in all 10 of the Lionesses’ matches, netting five goals and solidifying her status as a primary attacking focal point. She started all six of England’s group-stage fixtures in the ongoing 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification campaign, adding vital goals to her national team tally.
Most recently, Russo scored her 31st international goal to help England secure a 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of their World Cup playoff semi-final. Speaking about the distinction, Alessia Russo expressed gratitude to the supporters and her colleagues. “To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans. I am so grateful for their support. A big thank you also to my teammates – it is always about the collective,” she said.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg in Leicester
The award announcement arrives at a pivotal juncture for the national team as preparations ramp up for the return leg against Greece. England is scheduled to host the Mediterranean side at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday, holding a 3-1 aggregate advantage from the first fixture.
Wiegman’s squad aims to finalize its qualification path and maintain momentum heading into a demanding competitive calendar. Russo emphasized the collective mindset within the camp as they pursue further success. “I absolutely love playing for England every moment I get. Together we’re looking forward and hopefully we will go on to have a really big season,” she added.
Russo’s stellar performances over the past year have extended well beyond her national team duties. In September, she was named among the 30 players nominated for the prestigious women’s Ballon d’Or, with teammate Alex Greenwood standing as the only other English player to make the international shortlist. This dual recognition at both domestic and global levels underscores her standing as one of the preeminent forwards in modern women’s football.
Her journey with the national team spans several years and major milestones. Russo has represented England at every competitive age group from under-15s upward, eventually earning her senior international debut as a substitute against Spain during the final match of the 2020 SheBelieves Cup. Since that introduction, she has accumulated 68 appearances and found the back of the net 31 times, playing an instrumental role in helping the Lionesses capture the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 title and successfully defending the continental crown three years later.
Domestically, her transition to Arsenal has unlocked another tier of consistent production. By anchoring the Gunners’ frontline, she steered the club through intense domestic challenges, culminating in the May triumph over Aston Villa that guaranteed Champions League qualification for the North London outfit. The combination of her clinical finishing in the Women’s Super League and her tireless pressing on the international circuit has consistently rewarded the tactical philosophies of both Arsenal management and national team boss Wiegman.
As the Lionesses shift their immediate focus back to the turf at King Power Stadium, the collective attention remains locked on sealing their progression toward the 2027 tournament. With Russo leading the line and carrying the backing of thousands of supporters who cast their ballots in her favor, the squad enters the fixture with both individual accolades and team objectives clearly aligned for the challenges ahead.