Arsenal’s Alessia Russo named England Women’s Player of the Year for second time

England forward Alessia Russo was voted the national team’s Women’s Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has been named England Women’s Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season following a fan vote, the national team announced on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who previously received the honour in 2023-24, finished ahead of Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton in the voting.

Russo enjoyed a productive domestic campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering six assists in the Women’s Super League (WSL), making her the competition’s highest-scoring English player last season. She also struck twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in May, helping the club secure qualification for the Champions League.

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At the international level, Russo started all six of England’s group-stage matches in the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, scoring three goals.

“To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans,” Russo said.

“I absolutely love playing for England every moment I get, hopefully we will go on to have a really big season.”

Russo was also among the goalscorers in England’s 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of its World Cup qualifying playoff on Friday. The two teams will meet again in Leicester on Tuesday for the return leg.