As England prepares for a crucial step in their journey towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, Alessia Russo has received recognition for a season defined by goals, reliability and important contributions in high-pressure matches. The Lionesses striker was announced as the winner of the England Women’s Player of the Year award on Sunday, following a campaign in which she featured in all 10 of England’s matches and scored five goals.
The Arsenal forward previously won the honour for the 2023-24 season. Her latest success reflects her continued importance to England head coach Sarina Wiegman’s side, with Russo starting nine of the team’s 10 matches during the 2025-26 campaign, including all six of England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying group fixtures. The award was decided by supporters, making the recognition particularly meaningful for the forward, who has developed into one of England’s most dependable attacking options.
“To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans. I am so grateful for their support,” said Russo. She also acknowledged the contribution of her teammates, adding: “A big thank you also to my team-mates – it is always about the collective,” Russo added. Russo’s latest individual recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the European champions. England are pursuing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, and the striker has already made a valuable contribution to their playoff campaign.
Last week, Russo scored England’s third goal in a 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of their qualifying playoff. The result gave the Lionesses a two-goal advantage heading into Tuesday’s return fixture at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. However, England will need to complete the job in the second leg before turning their attention to the subsequent stages of qualification. Russo’s ability to deliver in important matches makes her a key figure as Wiegman’s side seek to maintain their place among the leading teams in international women’s football.
Her contribution during the qualifying group stage was equally significant. Russo scored five goals across her 10 England appearances during the 2025-26 season, including a brace in the emphatic 6-1 victory over Ukraine in March and the decisive goal in a 1-0 away win against Iceland. Russo’s international performances have been supported by an impressive domestic campaign with Arsenal in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
She finished the 2025-26 season as the highest-scoring English player in the league, recording 13 goals and six assists. Her contributions included a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa in May, a result that helped the London club secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The combination of her finishing ability, movement inside the penalty area and willingness to contribute to the team’s overall attacking play has made Russo an important part of Arsenal’s forward line. Her performances at club level have also reinforced her standing within the England setup.
Russo’s recognition arrives during a period of continued individual and collective success for the Lionesses. Having helped England win the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and retain the continental title in 2025, she remains part of a generation that has transformed the national team’s expectations and profile. The striker has represented England at every age group from under-15 level upwards. Since making her senior debut as a substitute against Spain at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, she has scored 31 goals in 68 appearances for the national team.
Russo’s Player of the Year award further strengthens her growing list of individual accolades. She is also among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, with England defender Alex Greenwood joining her on the shortlist for the main women’s award. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has also been nominated in the goalkeeper category.
For Russo, the latest honour recognises a season in which her influence extended beyond goals alone. Her consistency across England’s fixtures, contributions to Arsenal’s league campaign and performances in crucial international matches have all helped establish her as one of the leading English forwards of her generation.
