Arsenal and England striker Alessia Russo has been named the 2025 Women’s Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA), capping off a phenomenal season that saw her lead the Gunners to the Women’s Champions League final and contend for the Women’s Super League title.

Russo’s performances throughout the 2024/25 campaign have been nothing short of spectacular. She scored 12 goals and registered 2 assists in the WSL, tying with Manchester City’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw as the league’s top scorer. But it was on the European stage that Russo made an even greater impact — netting seven crucial goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League to guide Arsenal to their first final since 2007. The Gunners will face Barcelona in the Lisbon final on May 24.

Voted for by over 400 football journalists, Russo’s recognition is a testament to her consistency, leadership, and influence on the pitch. She becomes only the second Arsenal Women’s player to win the award, following in the footsteps of Vivianne Miedema. Joining her in the top four were Shaw, Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey, and Chelsea’s Millie Bright.

“Alessia’s ability to lead from the front, both in domestic and European matches, has defined Arsenal’s resurgence this season,” said FWA Chair John Cross. “Her performances have been world-class, and she is a deserving winner of this honor.”

Russo will officially receive her award at the FWA’s annual gala on May 22 in London. With the Champions League final still to come, she has the chance to finish an already incredible season with continental silverware — an achievement that would cement her status as one of the best forwards in world soccer.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive soccer stories, match breakdowns, and rising star features from around the world.