Alessia Russo has addressed her chances of winning the Ballon d’Or as she guns for glory with England at Women’s Euro 2025.
The 26-year-old is part of the England squad that will look to defend their European Championship trophy in Switzerland this summer.
It comes after a successful season with Arsenal, where she clinched a Champions League winner’s medal and was crowned the Football Writers Association Player of the Year.
Her success has put her in the Ballon d’Or running, alongside the likes of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.
Euro 2025, which kicks off next month, could have a big say in who wins the Ballon d’Or.
Alessia Russo prioritises Euros glory over Ballon d’Or
Speaking to British GQ, Ballon d’Or contender Alessia Russo said her ultimate goal is to win trophies with her teammates.
She said: “There’s no greater feeling than winning trophies as a team. If that means individual ones come along the way, that’s great.”
Speaking about Euro 2025, she added: “I always love coming into camp, the focus switches. We’re all very excited to get going again. Hopefully we can go out and make history.”
There will be expectation on England’s No. 9, to score goals and help the Lionesses win Euro 2025.
Russo was in exceptional goalscoring form for Arsenal during the 2024-25 campaign, netting 20 g0als in 41 appearances.
She has also scored 22 goals in 50 appearances for England. Her most recent goal came in their 2-1 Nations League defeat to Euro 2025 favourites Spain, earlier this month.
Speaking about the expectations, she told GQ: “I don’t necessarily feel pressure but you have to be very confident and self-aware that if a chance comes, you’re going to score it. I’ve spoken to a lot of players and they’re like, ‘You’re the number nine, this is what you need to demand.’”
After her best season at club level – winning the WSL Golden Boot and helping Arsenal to lift the Women’s Champions League – the Lioness is aiming for Euro 2025 glory https://t.co/mlpnHdAEnG
— British GQ (@BritishGQ) June 13, 2025
The rise of Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo is set to lead the line for England at this summer’s Women’s Euro 2025, and the Ballon d’Or contender has enjoyed a meteoric rise since her part in the Lionesses’ European Championship charge three years ago.
Former England forward Ellen White recently credited Arsenal for elevating Russo’s game.
Russo joined Arsenal from Women’s Super League rivals Manchester United in 2023, and has scored 36 goals.
White said: “Going to Arsenal has been great for her. Under Renee Slegers, her game has been elevated.”
She added: “It maybe took a year or two and she was still young, she needed the experience and game time but she’s cemented her spot now and has been scoring some great goals.
“I’m really excited to see what happens this summer, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on her. If she doesn’t score, that isn’t a bad thing.”
