Alessia Russo is one of England’s leading women’s footballers. She plays as a forward for Arsenal Women and represents the England national team. Known for her strength, movement and finishing ability, she has become a major figure in modern women’s football.
Born on 8 February 1999 in Maidstone, Kent, she is 27 years old as of September 2026. She stands 175 centimetres tall and prefers her right foot. Her Arsenal shirt number is 23, a number that has become closely connected with her identity at club level.
She has won the European Championship with England in 2022 and 2025. She has also won the Women’s Champions League with Arsenal and earned major individual awards for her performances.
Alessia Russo’s Early Life and Family
Alessia Russo grew up in a sporting family in Kent. Her father, Mario Russo, played semi-professional football for Metropolitan Police FC and became the club’s record goalscorer. Her mother, Carol, supported the family while Alessia and her brothers developed their sporting interests. She has two brothers, Luca Russo and Giorgio Russo. Luca competed in athletics and represented England at under-20 level. Giorgio has played football and later became known to television audiences after appearing on Love Island.
Her family has Italian heritage through her grandfather, who came from Aragona in Sicily before moving to England. This background remains an important part of her family identity, although she was born and raised in England. Football became part of her life at an early age. She played in a boys’ team for West Farleigh Sports Club before joining Bearsted Girls. Her early years helped develop her confidence, strength and competitive approach.
A promising young footballer
Alessia Russo joined Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence in 2007 and stayed there until 2010. She then moved to Chelsea, where she progressed through the club’s youth structure and captained the development team. In 2016, she made her first senior appearance for Chelsea in the Continental Cup. Although it was only an early step, the experience gave her a taste of senior football and strengthened her ambition to reach the highest level.
Alessia Russo’s Education and American Journey
Alessia Russo attended St Simon Stock Catholic School in Kent. She was not only a talented footballer but also a strong all-round sportswoman. At school, she took part in athletics, cross-country running, cricket and netball. In 2017, she moved to the United States to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She studied Exercise and Sport Science while playing for the famous North Carolina Tar Heels.
Her first college season was highly successful. She scored nine goals, helped the team win the ACC Tournament and received the ACC Freshman of the Year award. Her powerful shooting and intelligent movement quickly made her one of the team’s leading players.
During the 2018 season, she was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. A serious leg injury interrupted her campaign, but she returned strongly in 2019. In her final college season, she scored 13 goals and helped North Carolina win the ACC Tournament. She was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and became a Hermann Trophy semi-finalist.
Alessia Russo’s Rise Through English Football
Before moving to the United States, Russo played for Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2017 FA WSL Spring Series. She scored three goals in seven appearances and continued to grow as a forward. After completing her time in America, she returned to England and joined Manchester United in September 2020. Her first season was affected by injury, but she soon became an important part of the team.
During the 2021–22 season, she scored 11 goals in all competitions and won Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year award. Her performances attracted growing attention from supporters, coaches and other clubs. Arsenal made two major attempts to sign her in January 2023. Manchester United rejected both offers, but Russo eventually left when her contract ended. She joined Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2023.
Manchester United influence
Her time at Manchester United was important because it established her as a leading English forward. She developed greater strength, improved her hold-up play and became more confident in front of goal. She also gained valuable experience playing in important league matches and European competitions. The exposure helped her become a regular choice for England and prepared her for the pressure of playing for Arsenal.
Alessia Russo at Arsenal
Russo joined Arsenal in 2023 and quickly became one of the club’s most important attacking players. She scored her first Arsenal goals during the Women’s Champions League qualifying rounds against Paris FC. Her first Women’s Super League goal for Arsenal came against Aston Villa in October 2023. She scored late in the match to complete a comeback victory and immediately showed her ability to perform during decisive moments. In the 2023–24 season, she helped Arsenal win the Women’s League Cup. She also became an important part of the team’s attacking system, working with midfielders and wide players to create chances.
The 2024–25 campaign was a major year for her. She produced some of the best football of her career, scored important goals in Europe and helped Arsenal win the Women’s Champions League. Her performances earned her the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year award. She was also chosen for the PFA Team of the Year, an honour decided through votes from professional footballers.
Her role at Arsenal
At Arsenal, Russo offers more than goals. She can hold the ball under pressure, bring teammates into attacks and create space through intelligent movement. She is also willing to press defenders and compete for difficult aerial challenges. Her physical style suits the intensity of the Women’s Super League, while her technical ability allows her to combine effectively with creative players.
Alessia Russo and England
Alessia Russo represented England at youth level from under-15 to under-21. She was involved in major youth tournaments and gained international experience long before becoming a senior player. She received her first senior call-up in 2020 and made her England debut against Spain on 11 March of the same year. Her first senior goals came against Latvia in November 2021. During England’s 20–0 victory, she scored a hat-trick in only 11 minutes. It became the fastest hat-trick in the history of the Lionesses and established her as one of the country’s most exciting attacking players.
Euro 2022 success
Russo played a key role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph. She scored four goals during the tournament and became one of its most memorable players. Her famous back-heel goal against Sweden in the semi-final received worldwide attention. The finish showed her confidence, imagination and technical ability. It was later recognised as the tournament’s best goal. Although she often entered matches as a substitute, her influence was considerable. Her energy and direct style made her a difficult opponent for tired defenders.
World Cup 2023
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Russo helped England reach the final. She scored against Colombia in the quarter-final and Australia in the semi-final. England eventually finished as runners-up after losing the final to Spain. Even so, the tournament confirmed Russo’s place among the leading forwards in international football. She was later named England Women’s Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season. The award recognised her consistent performances for both club and country.
Euro 2025 victory
Alessia Russo was selected for England’s Euro 2025 squad. In the final against Spain, she scored England’s equalising goal in the second half. England went on to win the match on penalties and retain the European Championship. Russo’s contribution made her a two-time European champion and one of the most successful forwards in England’s modern era. By September 2026, her England record stood at 67 senior caps and 30 goals.
Playing Style and Strengths
Russo is a modern centre-forward with a strong all-round game. She can operate as a traditional striker, drop into midfield or move into wide areas to create space. Her key strengths include powerful finishing, intelligent movement, strong hold-up play and excellent pressing. She is also effective in the air and can score from close range or distance. Her ability to connect with teammates makes her valuable even when she does not score. She often helps build attacks, creates opportunities for others and works hard without the ball.
Alessia Russo’s Foundation and Business Work
Away from football, Russo supports opportunities for girls and young women through the Alessia Russo Foundation. The organisation promotes participation in sport, supports the development of young women and focuses on women’s health. The foundation reflects her belief that sport can improve confidence, health and opportunity. It also connects with her own experience of growing through football and receiving support from her family and coaches.
Alessia Russo is also connected with ARAGONA23 LIMITED, an active UK company. Companies House records her as a director appointed in September 2022. The name may relate to her Sicilian family roots, although the reason has not been publicly confirmed.
Alessia Russo Partner
Alessia Russo has kept her romantic life away from the main focus of her public career. There is no confirmed evidence that she is married, engaged or in a publicly acknowledged relationship. Some entertainment websites have repeated a rumour linking her with Patrick Brough. The claim seems to come from an old photograph and social media speculation, but neither person has publicly confirmed that they were a couple.
Conclusion: The Future of Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo has progressed from a young footballer in Kent to a European champion and Arsenal star. Her journey has included youth football, college success in America, injury setbacks, major club transfers and historic moments for England. Her back-heel goal at Euro 2022, equaliser in the Euro 2025 final and Champions League success with Arsenal have shaped her reputation as a player for important occasions.
With her talent, work ethic and growing leadership, she remains one of the most respected forwards in women’s football. Her future is likely to include further trophies, more international milestones and continued work supporting girls through sport.
Also Read
