Alessia Russo been called a game-changer, a striker with instinct and elegance, and one of England’s brightest stars. But behind the headlines and viral backheel goals lies a player shaped by family, focus and fierce ambition.
From Manchester United to Arsenal, her transfer sent ripples through the Women’s Super League—not just for the fee, but for what she represents: youth, flair, and a hunger for silverware. Her performances continue to echo beyond the scoreboard.
There’s more to her than women’s soccer, goals and pitch presence. Her roots in Kent, her close-knit family and a private but much-speculated love life all add layers to a player whose rise has only just begun.
How old is Alessia Russo?
Alessia Mia Teresa Russo was born on 8 February 1999 in Maidstone, Kent. That makes her 26 years old as of mid‑2025. At an age that blends experience and peak physical condition, she is firmly established as one of England’s leading forwards, balancing maturity with moments of surprise on the pitch.
Alessia Russo of England lines up for the national anthems with the player mascots prior to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match. (Source: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
How tall is Alessia Russo?
Standing at 5 ft 9 in (≈ 175 cm), Alessia Russo possesses a commanding presence in the box and aerial duels. That frame, combined with agility, makes her equally dangerous in hold-up play and as a target for set-piece crosses.
Is Alessia Russo single?
Alessia Russo keeps her private life carefully guarded, and public records suggest she is currently single. While seldom speaking on relationships, she invests her energy into soccer, brand partnerships and close family ties, steering clear of media speculation and maintaining a low-key personal profile.
Alessia Russo’s family
Soccer runs deep in Alessia Russo’s blood. Born in Maidstone, she grew up in a tightly knit Italian-British family with a competitive edge and a strong sense of identity. Her father, Mario Russo, is a former non-league player and still holds the record as the all-time top goalscorer at Metropolitan Police FC.
Her mother, Carol, supported her career from the sidelines, often driving her to training and balancing the chaos of youth soccer with academic expectations. Her two older brothers, Giorgio and Luca, also pursued athletic paths.
Giorgio played non-league soccer, while Luca was a talented athlete who later became a sports agent, providing a more strategic support system as Alessia’s career began to accelerate.
The Russo household wasn’t just a sporting one—it was culturally rich. Her Italian grandparents played a crucial role in her upbringing, instilling traditional values and, of course, a love of soccer. Alessia has spoken openly about the importance of her heritage, especially as a source of grounding in high-pressure moments.
Alessia Russo’s injury
Injuries have played a significant role in Alessia Russo’s career. Her most serious setback came shortly after her highly anticipated signing with Manchester United in September 2020. Just a few matches into her debut season, she sustained a serious hamstring injury, which required surgery and sidelined her for several months.
Alessia Russo of England celebrates scoring their side’s third goal during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Semi Final match between England and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 26, 2022. (Source: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
That injury, which could have derailed the momentum of her breakthrough, instead became a formative chapter in her evolution. She later admitted that the time off forced her to rethink her approach to training, recovery and nutrition.
In April 2025, while playing for England in a Nations League match against Belgium, she suffered a minor ankle injury that led to her being withdrawn from the squad for precautionary assessment.
Alessia Russo’s career highlights
- Youth career and UNC Tar Heels (2017–2020): After spells with Charlton and Chelsea’s youth systems, Russo made the bold move to the United States, enrolling at the University of North Carolina—one of the NCAA’s most decorated programs. There, she honed her skills in a faster, more physical environment, becoming a standout striker in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and learning to adapt against different tactical systems.
- Manchester United era (2020–2023): She returned to England in 2020 and signed with Manchester United, becoming one of their most reliable attacking outlets. She was United’s top scorer in the 2021–22 season, winning the Players’ Player of the Year and drawing attention for her smart movement, strength in duels, and clinical finishing.
- EURO 2022 and Backheel Brilliance: Perhaps her most iconic moment came during UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where she helped England secure their first major title. Her backheel goal against Sweden in the semifinals became an instant viral sensation and was voted Goal of the Tournament. Russo finished the tournament with four goals, earning the Bronze Boot.
- Record-breaking move to Arsenal (2023): Arsenal made headlines by pursuing Russo with record transfer bids in January 2023, all of which were rejected by Manchester United. But once her contract expired, she signed with the North London club on a free transfer in July 2023, shaking up the WSL landscape and reinforcing Arsenal’s attacking depth.
- Champions League and domestic success (2024–2025): Her first season at Arsenal was a triumph. She led the scoring charts with 12 goals in the WSL, helped the Gunners win the Continental Cup, and was instrumental in their 2024–25 Champions League campaign, including a goal in the semifinal against Lyon. Her performances earned her the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year award and widespread recognition as one of Europe’s elite strikers.
