Alessia Russo named 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, the second time the Arsenal forward has won the fan-voted award. The 27-year-old finished ahead of Chelsea pair Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton in the poll, which was conducted by England Football and connected by EE, according to BBC Sport. She featured in all 10 of England's matches during the season, starting nine, and scored five goals.

Her most recent contribution came on Friday, when she scored the third goal in England's 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of their World Cup play-off semi-final. The second leg is set for Tuesday at Leicester's King Power Stadium, with England holding a commanding lead as they chase a place at the 2027 tournament. Russo also acknowledged her teammates after the announcement.

The award adds to a season in which Russo was named among the 30 nominees for the women's Ballon d'Or in September, with Alex Greenwood the only other English player on the shortlist. At club level, she was the top English scorer in the Women's Super League last season with 13 goals and six assists, helping Arsenal secure Champions League qualification with a double in a 3-0 win at Aston Villa in May. Russo first won the England Women's Player of the Year award two seasons ago, during the 2023-24 campaign.

She has scored 31 goals in 68 senior international appearances and was part of the England squads that won Euro 2022 and retained the title three years later. Russo's international campaign was defined by consistency and productivity.