Russo voted England Women's Player of the Year
Alessia Russo has been named England women's player of the year. The Arsenal forward scored five goals in 10 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign and also netted in the recent World Cup play-off win over Greece. She beat Chelsea's Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton in a fan vote.
Alessia Russo, 27, has been chosen as England women's player of the year for a second time, having also taken the honour two seasons ago. The Arsenal forward played in all 10 of England's 2025-26 matches and scored five goals.
She also found the net in last week's 3-1 win over Greece in the first leg of a 2027 World Cup play-off semi-final. Fans picked her ahead of Chelsea's Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton. Russo has 31 goals in 68 England appearances, and England meet Greece again on Tuesday at Leicester's King Power Stadium.
Russo's recognition may strengthen visibility for women's football in England, especially among young fans who see a forward rewarded through a public vote. It could also add interest to the upcoming Greece second leg and the wider 2027 World Cup play-off path. Clubs, teammates and sponsors may benefit from increased attention, while the fan-driven nature of the award may reinforce supporters' sense of involvement.