Alessia Russo named FWA Women's Footballer of the Year
Arsenal and England striker Alessia Russo has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2025, marking the first time she has received the prestigious individual honor.
The 25-year-old forward is enjoying her most prolific campaign to date, currently joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League (WSL) alongside Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw — last year’s winner. Russo's rise has been accelerated under the guidance of Renee Slegers, who replaced Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal manager in October.
Since then, the Gunners’ No. 9 has averaged a goal every 108 minutes across all competitions, underlining her status as one of the most lethal finishers in the women's game.
European Heroics Power Russo’s Recognition
While Arsenal narrowly missed out on the WSL title to Chelsea, Russo's standout performances in the UEFA Women's Champions League played a significant role in earning her the award. She scored a crucial brace in Arsenal’s dramatic quarter-final comeback win over Real Madrid, followed by a match-winning goal in a 4-1 rout of Lyon in the semi-finals — securing a spot in the final against Barcelona.
“She’s led from the front in every sense — her goals, her work rate, her presence in big matches,” noted an FWA spokesperson.
Related News: Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers' Player of the Year
Voting Results and Final Standings
- 1st – Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
- 2nd – Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)
- 3rd – Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
- 4th – Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Russo becomes just the sixth ever winner of the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year award, further cementing her status as a future England great.
SportsLigue