Russo grateful to win ‘special’ award

Alessia Russo has been named England Women’s Player of the Year 2025–26.

Russo scored five goals for her country over the past year and has beaten second-placed Lucy Bronze and third-placed Hannah Hampton to the award.

“To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans,” Russo said upon receiving the honour. “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.”

The striker’s England duty is set to continue next week as they face Greece in the second leg of their World Cup round-one play-off. They lead the tie 3-1 after Russo was on the scoresheet in Heraklion on Friday.