Alessia Russo: A Journey from Grassroots to Global Stardom

Early Life and Grassroots Beginnings

Alessia Mia Teresa Russo, born on February 8, 1999, in Maidstone, Kent, grew up in a family steeped in football tradition. Her Sicilian grandfather, Alfonso, who moved to England in the 1950s, instilled a love for Manchester United in the family, while her father, Mario, was a record goalscorer for the Metropolitan Police F.C. in non-league football. Alessia’s brothers, Giorgio and Luca, also pursued sports, with Giorgio playing semi-professionally and Luca competing in track and field at the under-20 level. This athletic environment shaped Alessia’s early passion for football, which she began playing at age six with West Farleigh Sports Club’s under-7 boys’ team and later Bearsted F.C. Girls U10. Her childhood was filled with memories of kicking a ball in the garden with her brothers or playing on a small strip of grass near her home in East Farleigh, as she recounted in an interview with England Football. These formative years laid the foundation for her relentless work ethic and love for the game.

Rise Through Youth Football and Education

Russo’s talent was evident early on, leading her to join Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence, where she notably served as a mascot for captain Casey Stoney at age eight—an ironic precursor to Stoney later signing her for Manchester United in 2020. At St Simon Stock Catholic School in Maidstone, Alessia excelled in multiple sports, including athletics, cricket, and netball, but football remained her focus. A standout memory was winning a Mini World Cup tournament with her primary school team, representing South Korea, a moment she described as a highlight of her early years. When considering her future, Russo faced a choice between staying with Chelsea’s youth setup, which required long commutes, or pursuing a combined athletic-academic program in the United States. She chose the latter, joining the North Carolina Tar Heels, where she played college soccer alongside her brother Luca, an experience she cherishes for its balance of academics and sport.

Professional Career: From College to the WSL

After her time in the U.S., Russo returned to England, signing with Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Manchester United in 2020. At United, she quickly established herself as a prolific striker, earning Player of the Year, Goal of the Season, and twice finishing as the club’s top scorer. Her performances caught the eye of Arsenal, where she signed in 2023, becoming a key figure in their Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign. In the 2024-25 season, Russo won the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year award and the WSL Golden Boot, showcasing her scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities, as evidenced by her brace in a 3-1 victory over Everton in March 2025.

International Stardom: England and the Euros

Russo’s international career began at the youth level, captaining England’s U16 team and progressing through the U15, U17, U19, and U21 squads. Her senior debut came in 2020, and in 2021, she made history by scoring the fastest hat-trick by an England player against Latvia in just 11 minutes. Her defining moment came during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, where her back-heeled goal against Sweden—later voted Goal of the Tournament—captured global attention. Despite initially claiming the nutmeg was unintentional, it became an iconic moment in women’s football. Russo’s impact continued in EURO 2025, where she scored the equalizing goal in the final against Spain, helping England secure a 3-1 penalty shootout victory to defend their title. Her 50th cap in June 2025 was marked by a goal against Spain, and she was awarded the England Women’s Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

Overcoming Challenges: Online Abuse and Resilience

Despite her success, Russo has faced significant challenges, particularly with online abuse. In June 2025, she spoke candidly about the “really damaging” impact of social media trolling, which led her to delete her accounts during the 2023 World Cup. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the opinions of teammates, coaches, and family, a lesson learned from her early experiences of getting “sucked into” negative comments during her first Euros. Her resilience has been a hallmark of her career, as seen in her ability to perform under pressure, such as her three assists against the Netherlands in July 2025, earning her Player of the Match despite online criticism. Russo’s approach to mental health and focus has made her a role model for younger players, as she actively supports new talents in the England squad to feel confident and relaxed.

Off the Pitch: Personal Life and Influence

Off the field, Russo maintains a close bond with her family and childhood friend Ella Toone, with whom she co-hosts a podcast. Their playful dynamic was evident during a photoshoot at 10 Downing Street after the EURO 2025 triumph, where Russo jokingly tried to distract Toone. Russo’s Italian heritage, particularly her connection to Nettuno, Italy, where her nonna lives, remains a source of pride, reflected in her animated gestures that hint at her Sicilian roots. She is also a cultural ambassador, serving as the first female European sports ambassador for Beats by Dre and receiving an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University in February 2023. Her interests in music—citing artists like Drake and Rihanna—and travel add depth to her public persona, while her private life, including her relationship status, remains low-key.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

At 26, Russo is already a two-time EURO champion, a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Arsenal, and a contender for major individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or. Her journey reflects a blend of talent, hard work, and the influence of her family’s footballing heritage. As she told UEFA in July 2025, her drive to win more trophies with England fuels her ambition, and her contributions both on and off the ball—holding up play, tracking back, and creating chances—make her indispensable. Despite occasional undervaluation by some fans, her consistent performances and leadership continue to elevate women’s football.

As Russo prepares for future challenges, including the 2027 World Cup, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls in grassroots football. Her path from a small park in East Farleigh to global stardom underscores the power of dedication and the enduring appeal of football across generations and borders.