Alessia Russo Wins England Women's Player of the Year for Second Time

Alessia Russo has been named England Women's Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. It is the second time the Arsenal forward has won the fan-voted award. Her first came in 2023-24.

The 27-year-old topped the vote ahead of Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, who finished second and third. The announcement came on Sunday, October 11. Russo was presented the award by a group of girls from the Alessia Russo Foundation, who were guests at the Lionesses' open training session at the start of the international window.

Russo was the highest-scoring English player in the Women's Super League last season, with 13 goals and six assists. She also played a leading role in England's 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying campaign, starting all six of their group matches. She said it was special to receive an award that comes directly from the fans.

The honour comes just days after Russo scored again for England. She was on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Greece in Heraklion on Friday, in the first leg of their World Cup play-off. It was her 31st international goal, and Georgia Stanway and Maya Le Tissier also scored. England host the second leg on Tuesday, October 13, at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.