A. Russo
FWD
About Russo
Early Life & Background
Alessia Mia Teresa Russo was born on February 8, 1999, in Maidstone, England. She began her football journey at a young age, developing her skills at Charlton Athletic and later at Chelsea's Centre of Excellence. Russo's talent flourished as she progressed through youth football, ultimately leading her to play college soccer for the University of North Carolina, where she showcased her attacking prowess with the Tar Heels.
Club Career
Russo's professional career commenced with Chelsea in 2016, although she did not make any appearances for the club. She moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2017, where she made 7 appearances and scored 3 goals. Her breakthrough came at Manchester United from 2020 to 2023, where she made 46 appearances and netted 22 goals, earning accolades such as Player of the Year and Goal of the Season. In 2023, Russo joined Arsenal Women and quickly made an impact by helping the team win the 2024 Women's League Cup and the UEFA Women's Champions League. In the current 2025-2026 season, she has recorded 31 appearances, 15 goals, and 4 assists.
International Career
Alessia Russo represents the England national team and has made significant contributions since her debut. She was a key player during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where she helped England secure the championship, notably scoring an iconic backheel goal against Sweden that earned her the Goal of the Tournament. Additionally, she played a role in England’s third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, further establishing her as a prominent figure in women's football.
Playing Style
As a forward, Russo is known for her dynamic playing style, characterized by her speed, technical skills, and clinical finishing ability. Her agility and ability to read the game make her a constant threat to opposing defenses, while her knack for scoring in crucial moments sets her apart as a key player for both Arsenal and the England national team.
Honours & Achievements
Alessia Russo's career is marked by numerous achievements, including being named the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year for the 2024-25 season. She has also won the Women's League Cup with Arsenal and played a pivotal role in their UEFA Women's Champions League victory. At Manchester United, she was recognized as Player of the Year and Goal of the Season, and she has earned multiple Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards in the Women's Super League.