Arsenal’s Alessia Russo Crowned FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year

Russo’s Breakout Season Sees Her Named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year

In a season packed with twists, drama, and brilliance, Alessia Russo has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the women’s game. The Arsenal striker, who only joined the Gunners last summer, has been named the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year for the 2024/25 season—her first time receiving the prestigious honour.

For Alessia Russo, it’s the latest—and perhaps most meaningful—milestone in a season that has seen her go from promising forward to genuine world-class striker. She becomes just the sixth player to receive the award since its inception in 2018, and only the second Arsenal player ever to do so.

But what makes this win special isn’t just the numbers—though they are certainly impressive. It’s the timing, the impact, the presence, and the way Alessia Russo has carried herself on the pitch that truly set her apart.

Prolific in the League, Decisive in Europe

This has undoubtedly been Alessia Russo’s most prolific campaign at senior level. She currently shares the Golden Boot race at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) with Manchester City’s fearsome Jamaican striker Khadija Shaw, who, incidentally, was last year’s winner of this very award.

But it’s not just domestic dominance that has elevated Alessia Russo’s reputation this year. Her form on the European stage, in particular, has been electric.

Under the guidance of Renee Slegers, who took over managerial duties from Jonas Eidevall in October, Alessia Russo has flourished. Since the change at the helm, she has averaged a goal every 108 minutes across all competitions—a stat that speaks to her consistency, instinct, and improved finishing.

Her standout moments have come when Arsenal needed her the most:

• Two goals in a wild Champions League quarter-final comeback against Real Madrid

• The decisive strike away at Lyon—Europe’s most successful women’s team—in a stunning 4-1 triumph that sent Arsenal to the Champions League final

These are moments that define seasons. And Alessia Russo has seized them.

A Fitting Honour from the Football Writers’ Association

The Football Writers’ Association (FWA), a body known for recognising not just statistics but the complete package—form, impact, leadership, and character—had little doubt about their choice.

FWA Chair John Cross offered heartfelt praise during the announcement:

“Alessia’s performances, especially in the Champions League, have been the stand-out from the season. She seems to have taken a huge leap since joining Arsenal, and her overall game as well as her goals make her a special player. We’re delighted to be crowning her Women’s Footballer of the Year but hope that it’s not the last honour she receives this season with the Champions League Final at the end of the month.”

That final, against Barcelona, looms large on the horizon—and offers Alessia Russo the chance to cap off her breakout season with European silverware.

Arsenal’s Number Nine: A Perfect Fit

Alessia Russo’s move to Arsenal raised eyebrows when it was confirmed last summer. Manchester United, her former club, were reluctant to let her go. And understandably so—Russo was one of the brightest attacking prospects in the league.

But at Arsenal, everything has clicked. Wearing the iconic number nine shirt, she’s looked sharper, stronger, and more confident with each passing week. Under Slegers’ more fluid, attacking philosophy, Alessia Russo has found space in behind, freedom in possession, and teammates who understand her movement.

The chemistry with Mariona Caldentey, another new arrival, has been particularly fruitful. Interestingly, Caldentey herself finished third in the FWA voting, behind Alessia Russo and Shaw.

Award Voting: How It Played Out

The FWA voting process is never short of debate—and this year was no exception. Alessia Russo narrowly edged out Khadija Shaw, whose 2024/25 campaign for Manchester City has been remarkable in its own right.

Here’s how the top of the vote shaped up:
🥇 Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
🥈 Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)
🥉 Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
🏅 Millie Bright (Chelsea, captain of the title-winning side)

That Alessia Russo beat out the captain of the league champions and a reigning Golden Boot holder speaks volumes.

Standing Among the Elite

With this award, Alessia Russo joins a short but illustrious list of past winners:

• Fran Kirby (Chelsea – 2018, 2021)

• Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal – 2019)

• Beth England (Chelsea – 2020)

• Sam Kerr (Chelsea – 2022, 2023)

• Khadija Shaw (Man City – 2024)

Kirby and Kerr are the only players to have won it more than once. Could Alessia Russo be next to do so? If this season is anything to go by, she’s only just getting started.

Slegers’ Influence Can’t Be Ignored

Though individual awards are just that—individual—it would be remiss not to mention the role played by manager Renee Slegers in Alessia Russo’s rise.

Since her arrival, Arsenal’s attack has become far more dynamic and unpredictable. Players like Alessia Russo, Caldentey, and Katie McCabe have thrived in more flexible roles, allowed to rotate and roam while maintaining shape and pressing intensity.

Slegers has clearly built trust with her squad, and Alessia Russo is a primary beneficiary of that environment. Her ability to take on more responsibility in the final third—often as a creative link as well as a goal scorer—has seen her evolve into a complete forward.

More to Come?

With the Champions League Final looming at the end of May, there’s still one more massive stage for Alessia Russo to conquer. Should she inspire Arsenal to European glory against Barcelona, her season will move from exceptional to legendary.

And with the Women’s Euro 2025 fast approaching, England fans will be hoping her form carries over into international duty.

Final Thoughts

Alessia Russo’s journey has never been straightforward—from the sidelines of the US college game to starring in the WSL, she’s faced doubters, injuries, and intense competition. But now, at 26, she’s not just fulfilling her promise—she’s rewriting the standards.

This FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year award isn’t the culmination of her story—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter, one where Alessia Russo isn’t just a name on the team sheet, but one of the first names you build around.

Congratulations, Alessia. The game is better with you leading the line.