Arsenal's Alessia Russo Wins FWA Women's Footballer of Year

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has been named the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Women's Footballer of the Year for the 2024-25 season, becoming only the sixth recipient of the award. Russo, who joined Arsenal from Manchester United, is enjoying the most prolific campaign of her career, leading the Women's Super League (WSL) scoring charts alongside Manchester City's Khadija Shaw. Under Arsenal manager Renee Slegers, Russo has scored 20 goals in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League, playing a crucial role in Arsenal's run to the UEFA Women's Champions League final against Barcelona. She is the second Arsenal player to win the award after Vivianne Miedema in 2019, and the first English winner of either the men's or women's FWA award in four years. FWA chair John Cross praised Russo's standout performances, particularly in the Champions League, and expressed hope for further honors following the upcoming final. Arsenal's success contrasts with Chelsea's recent dominance in the WSL, as the Gunners aim to claim their first European title since 2007.