Alessia Russo interview: “We’re creating something really special at Arsenal… now it’s time to take it all the way”
Alessia Russo is excited about Arsenal’s future as they get ready for the 2026/27 season, saying the team is “building something really special” and aiming to win trophies in several competitions. Last season, the Gunners finished second in the Women’s Super League, just four points behind champions Manchester City. They also made it to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League before losing to Lyon.
Arsenal played in five different competitions last season, including the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, which they won. Russo, who signed a new deal in September, had her best scoring season with 24 goals in 40 games, including nine in the Champions League against top teams like Lyon, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.
Since 2020, Russo has been a regular in the WSL after a short time in the league before going to college in the US in 2017. In 2025, she was named FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year and finished third in the Ballon d’Or Feminin, behind her Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati.
Speaking to SPORTbible as an ambassador for Starling Bank’s Kick On campaign—which helps local businesses sponsor grassroots women’s football teams—Russo says she feels she’s playing better than ever. “You learn a lot as you get older,” she says. “At 27, I understand the game and teammates more than when I was younger. I’m always trying to learn more and improve.”
She loves how challenging it is to play at Arsenal, with talented teammates and coaches pushing her to be her best. “I enjoy being in an environment where I feel stretched,” she says. Over the last few years, that challenge has helped her grow as a player.
Russo also praises Arsenal’s head coach Renee Slegers, who took over in October 2024 and impressed by winning 11 of her first 12 games. Slegers, a former Netherlands midfielder and former Arsenal player, led the team to the Women’s Champions League title in 2025 and recently signed a longer contract. “She pushes us to be better every day,” Russo says. “Her focus and preparation inspire me to give my all for the team.”
Last season had its ups and downs for Arsenal. They struggled early on but bounced back after Christmas, winning six of seven league games. They hoped to catch Manchester City but drew too many matches near the end. In the Champions League, they gave Lyon a tough fight but were narrowly knocked out in the semis.
Russo says the team has grown a lot but knows it’s time to push harder and win more trophies. “At Arsenal, the goal is always to win,” she says. “We want to compete for every title—the league, the cups, and the Champions League—every season.”
Arsenal also strengthened their squad with new signings, including forward Selina Cerci, midfielder Geraldine Reuteler, full-back Ona Batlle, winger Lisa Baum, and goalkeepers Isabella Damm and Misa Rodriguez. Russo is especially happy to reunite with Batlle, who she played with at Manchester United. England midfielder Georgia Stanway also joined from Bayern Munich, and Russo can’t wait to play alongside her longtime friend. “We’ve known each other for about 15 years—it’s crazy! She’s so talented and will be a great addition to the team.”
As an ambassador for Starling Bank, Russo supports the Kick On campaign, which helps local businesses sponsor grassroots women’s football teams. This initiative will connect 2,000 businesses with teams and help cover the cost of kits, making it easier for young players to grow and continue the journey to become future Lionesses. Russo’s fellow ambassador Jill Scott is also backing the campaign, sponsoring a local team in Manchester through her coffee shop BOXX2BOXX.