Arsenal’s Alessia Russo won almost everything this year and the forward may feel hard done by after finishing third in the Ballon d’Or race.
Aitana Bonmati won the award for a historic third time in a row with Arsenal duo Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo finishing just behind.
Was Alessia Russo robbed of a Ballon d’Or?
It is safe to say that Alessia Russo enjoyed the best season of her career in 2024/25.
The Arsenal striker thrived in her second campaign in North London, earning her first nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
Russo shared the WSL golden boot with Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw. With 12 goals in 21 league games last year, Russo matched her best-ever goalscoring season in the top flight.
Although Arsenal couldn’t end Chelsea’s incredible winning run in the WSL, the club achieved a bigger feat as they lifted the Champions League for a second time.
Russo scored eight goals in 15 European games and was an integral part of Arsenal’s success.
The 26-year-old scored crucial goals in the quarter final against Real Madrid and again in the semi-finals against eight-time champions Lyon.
As a result of her career-best campaign, Russo was named FWA player of the season.
The Lioness was also rewarded with a new long-term contract at Arsenal at the start of this year.
Alessia Russo’s summer with England
With 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal last year Russo had a standout year – but it was her performances for England that solidified her as a Ballon d’Or contender.
The Lionesses were crowned champions of Europe again this summer for the second time in a row.
Although she only scored two at the Euros, Russo also picked up three assists.
The Arsenal forward continued her habit of popping up with a goal on the biggest stage at Euro 2025. Russo scored the equaliser against Spain to send the final to extra time.
Having played important roles in Champions League and Euro 2025 success, Russo will feel slightly hard done by finishing third in her first Ballon d’Or run.
Three in a row for Aitana Bonmati ! Caldentey & Russo for the podium #ballondor pic.twitter.com/pRuV0OwFAo
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
The loss is especially harsh as Russo beat Aitana Bonmati’s Spain and Barcelona in two finals this year.
What next for Alessia Russo?
Russo has already carried her form from last season and the summer into the new campaign.
In the WSL Russo has scored two goals in three games after a quick start for Arsenal.
Alessia Russo with a TOP performance 🔥#BarclaysWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/RZrXS0fDJu
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 13, 2025
The Gunners will be looking to retain their Champions League title this year with Russo admitting that last season’s success has ‘lit the fire’ within Arsenal to win more.
With no international tournaments this year, Russo will be relying on her performances for Arsenal as she targets glory in the next Ballon d’Or.
Arsenal will also compete in the inaugural Club World Cup at the beginning of 2026.
