Forward Alessia Russo has been named England women’s player of the year.
The Arsenal and Lionesses sharpshooter, who also collected the accolade two seasons ago, topped the fan vote ahead of Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, who placed second and third respectively.
Russo played a pivotal role for England throughout the 2025-26 season, featuring in all 10 of the Lionesses’ matches and scoring five goals in the process.
She started nine of those games, including all six of England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying fixtures.
During that time, Russo has generated quite the highlight reel; she netted a brace in England’s emphatic 6-1 victory against Ukraine in March and notched the winning goal in a closely-fought 1-0 away win against Iceland in Reykjavik.
She received the award from a group of girls representing the Alessia Russo Foundation, who were invited guests to the Lionesses’ open training session at the start of the international window.
Commenting on the achievement, Russo said: “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. 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.”
Russo on Target as England Progress in World Cup Play-Offs
Russo wasted no time in reminding fans why they made the right choice. She scored against Greece on Friday in England’s World Cup play-off first-round tie.
Georgia Stanway and Maya Le Tissier were also on the scoresheet as the Lionesses ran out 3-1 winners in Heraklion.
That was Russo’s 31st international goal, and the next two weren’t far behind. On Tuesday, in the return leg, she helped herself to a brace as Sarina Wiegman’s side cantered to a 5-0 victory (8-1 on aggregate), setting up a tie against Ukraine.
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