Alessia Mia Teresa Russo (born 8 February 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women’s Super League club Arsenal and the England national team. Known for her clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and leadership on and off the pitch, Russo has emerged as one of the brightest stars in modern women’s football.
She previously played for Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Manchester United, as well as college soccer with the North Carolina Tar Heels. In 2025, she was crowned FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year, further solidifying her place among the elite in the sport.
Early Life and Passion for Football
Russo was born in Maidstone, Kent, to Carol and Mario Russo. Coming from a sports-loving family, she grew up surrounded by athletic influence. Her father played non-league football and is the record goalscorer for Metropolitan Police FC, while her brothers Giorgio and Luca also excelled in sports. Her Italian heritage, with a Sicilian grandfather from Aragona, shaped her identity and her love for football.
She started playing at a young age with Bearsted FC Girls U10 and later progressed through Charlton Athletic and Chelsea’s youth setups. Her talent was evident early on, and she stood out not only in football but also in athletics, netball, and cricket during her school years at St Simon Stock Catholic School.
College and Professional Journey
Russo chose to continue her development in the U.S. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in sport and exercise science while playing for the Tar Heels. Her decision paid off, as she honed her skills in one of the strongest collegiate programs.
Her professional club career began with Chelsea before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2017. Later, she joined Manchester United, where she became a fan favorite and twice finished as the club’s top scorer.
In 2023, Russo signed for Arsenal and immediately made an impact, scoring crucial goals in both domestic and European competitions. Her move helped Arsenal win their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title and kept them unbeaten in the league for much of the 2024–25 season.
Alessia Russo’s Salary and Net Worth
As of 2025, Alessia Russo’s estimated net worth is around $2.5 million, thanks to her football contracts, bonuses, endorsements, and sponsorships. At Arsenal, she reportedly earns a salary of around £200,000 per year, excluding bonuses and commercial deals.
Russo has lucrative sponsorships with brands such as Nike, which further adds to her income and solidifies her position as one of the most marketable players in women’s football today.
Alessia Russo’s Age and Height
Alessia Russo is 26 years old, born on 8 February 1999.
She stands 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) tall, a height that perfectly complements her physical style of play. Her strength and aerial ability make her a constant threat to defenders in the penalty box.
Alessia Russo’s Wife or Girlfriend
As of 2025, Alessia Russo has not publicly confirmed having a wife or girlfriend. She keeps her personal life private and prefers to focus on her professional career and charitable endeavors.
Russo is known for her down-to-earth personality and strong family values, which have remained central to her journey.
Alessia Russo’s Latest Career News
Russo had a spectacular 2024–25 season with Arsenal, scoring 12 goals in 21 league appearances, which helped her share the WSL Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.
She scored decisive goals against major rivals, including a 94th-minute winner against Aston Villa and a derby-winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur. In May 2025, she led Arsenal to their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title, securing her place among Europe’s elite forwards.
Recently, she was awarded the prestigious FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year award for her phenomenal season, and she remains a key figure in England’s preparations for the upcoming 2025 European Championship.
On 4 July 2023, it was revealed that Russo had joined Arsenal on a free transfer. She debuted for the club on 6 September 2023 in the first round qualifying match of the UEFA Champions League against Linköping. Russo netted her first goals for Arsenal, scoring a brace, during a 3–3 draw with Paris FC on 9 September in the first round qualifier final, although Arsenal lost in the penalty shootout.
She marked her first WSL goal for Arsenal on 15 October, scoring in the 94th minute of stoppage time to clinch a 2–1 comeback victory over Aston Villa. On 3 March, she netted the winning goal in a 1–0 triumph against Tottenham Hotspur. She scored for Arsenal in the 2024 Women’s A-League All Stars Game held in Melbourne, Australia, contributing to a 1-0 win.
Her latest career news, age, height, family, salary, weight, and biography
Here’s a detailed table summarizing Alessia Russo’s key biographical information. This is fully up-to-date and perfect for including in your article or web page.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alessia Mia Teresa Russo |
| Age | 26 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Birth Date | 8 February 1999 |
| Birth Place | Maidstone, Kent, England |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Sport & Exercise Science) |
| Turned Professional | 2017 |
| Professional Wins | Several, including WSL titles and UEFA Women’s Champions League |
| Highest Ranking | One of England’s top forwards, considered among Europe’s best forwards |
| Wife / Girlfriend | Not publicly known |
| Father’s Name | Mario Russo |
| Mother’s Name | Carol Russo |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Wikipedia Page | Alessia Russo — Wikipedia |
| Nickname | Not widely known (sometimes called “Lessi” informally) |
| Nationality | English |
| Heritage | Italian descent (Sicilian grandfather) |
| Youth Clubs | Bearsted FC Girls, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea Academy |
| Major Club Teams | Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Arsenal |
Alessia Russo Achievements
FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year: 2024–25
UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Arsenal: 2024–25
WSL Golden Boot co-winner: 2024–25
UEFA Euro 2022 Goal of the Tournament and Bronze Boot winner
England Women’s Player of the Year: 2023–24
Club awards at Manchester United: Player of the Year, Goal of the Season
Youth captain for England U16 and appearances at all youth levels
First player in English history to score a hat-trick in 11 minutes during a World Cup qualifier
Read also more women’s footballers’ profiles: Naomi Girma
Keira Walsh’s football career
Frequently Asked Questions About Alessia Russo
What nationality is Alessia Russo?
Alessia Russo is English but has Italian heritage through her grandfather.
Which clubs has Alessia Russo played for?
She has played for Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Does Alessia Russo have any siblings?
Yes, she has two brothers: Giorgio, who played non-league football, and Luca, who competed for England in track and field.
What position does Alessia Russo play?
She plays as a forward, often operating as a central striker or attacking winger.
Is Alessia Russo active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and often shares training moments, match updates, and charity initiatives with her fans.
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Conclusion
Alessia Russo’s journey from a young girl playing in Maidstone to becoming one of Europe’s most feared forwards is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. With a Champions League title, a Golden Boot, and individual awards in her collection, Russo is not only a superstar for Arsenal but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for the next generation of footballers.
As she continues to break barriers and score goals, the world eagerly watches what Alessia Russo will achieve next.
