Arsenal star named Footballer of the Year despite missing out on league title

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal and England forward Alessia Russo has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2025, capping off an exceptional season for both club and country.

The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for the Gunners, finishing the Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign as their top scorer with 12 goals and two assists in 20 appearances. Russo ended the season with the WSL Golden Boot.

Russo also played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s historic return to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final—the club’s first in 18 years. Her seven goals in the competition are the second-most by any player this season, helping guide Jonas Eidevall’s side to a mouth-watering showdown against holders Barcelona in Lisbon on May 24.

READ MORE: Arsenal announce departure of three players ahead of summer

The former Manchester United striker opened her league tally in November against her old club and scored in five consecutive matches thereafter. She closed her WSL scoring account in April with a crucial goal away to Aston Villa. Overall, she contributed 15 goal involvements in the league and continues to shine on the European stage.

Russo’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She is also nominated for WSL Player of the Season at the Women’s Professional Game Awards and has now scored 36 goals in 71 games for Arsenal. At the Emirates Stadium, she stands as the women’s team’s second all-time top scorer with 11 goals—just behind Beth Mead.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Last year’s winner, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw of Manchester City, finished second in the FWA vote after tying Russo for league goals despite playing just 14 matches. Russo’s Arsenal teammate, Mariona Caldentey, came third, with England defender Millie Bright placing fourth.

Arsenal secured second place in the WSL after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United on the final day, finishing 12 points behind champions Chelsea. The result not only ensured a top-three finish but also granted the Gunners direct passage to next season’s Champions League group stage, avoiding the early qualifying rounds that saw them crash out to Paris FC last year.

Russo’s recognition by the FWA is a fitting reward for a player whose performances have lifted Arsenal back among Europe’s elite and confirmed her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s football.

NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal players’ reactions that broke Mikel Arteta’s heart after PSG defeat