Alessia Russo has become one of the most influential forwards of her generation, admired for her clinical finishing, explosive athleticism, and composure on the world stage. Rising from a football-loving family in Kent to global recognition with Arsenal and the England Lionesses, Russo’s story is one of early talent, elite development, and a relentless drive to succeed. Her journey from youth football to starring in major tournaments has made her one of the most searched-for female athletes in the United Kingdom.
- Quick Facts
- Early Life & Origin Story
- Youth Development & Early Club Pathway
- College Career at the University of North Carolina (2017–2019)
- Professional Career & Rise to Global Fame
- International Career with England
- Senior Debut
- Record-Breaking Hat-Trick
- Euro 2022 – The Iconic Back-Heel
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
- Legacy Number
- Playing Style & On-Pitch Identity
- What Is Alessia Russo’s Net Worth in 2025?
- Personal Life & Family
- Personal Life & Relationship Status of Alessia Russo
- Cultural Heritage & Identity
- Awards & Achievements (Verified)
- Controversies
- FAQs
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alessia Mia Teresa Russo |
| Age | 26 years (2025) |
| Date of Birth | 8 February 1999 |
| Birthplace | Maidstone, Kent, England |
| Nationality | British / English |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Arsenal Women (joined 2023) |
| Foot | Right |
| Ethnicity | English / Italian heritage |
| Parents | Father: Mario Russo; Mother: Carol Russo |
| Siblings | Brothers: Giorgio and Luca |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Sport & Exercise Science) |
| Source of Wealth | Football salary, bonuses, sponsorships, endorsements |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated £1–2 million (no official public valuation) |
Early Life & Origin Story
Alessia Mia Teresa Russo was born on 8 February 1999 in Maidstone, Kent. Raised in a highly athletic household, her early life was shaped by competitive sports, discipline, and a deep love for football passed down through her Italian-English heritage. Her father, Mario Russo, was a prolific striker and record goalscorer for Metropolitan Police F.C., while her brothers Giorgio and Luca excelled in football and athletics respectively.
Russo’s Sicilian grandfather, who moved from the town of Aragona to England in the 1950s, was a devoted Manchester United supporter — a passion that would later influence Alessia’s childhood dreams and career trajectory.
From a young age, Russo showed extraordinary athletic potential. At St Simon Stock Catholic School, she excelled in football, athletics, netball, cricket, and cross-country, earning recognition as one of the school’s most talented young sportswomen.
Her youth career began with West Farleigh Sports Club’s under-7 boys’ team, where she developed physical resilience and technical sharpness by playing against boys two years older. She later moved to Bearsted FC Girls U10, where her early achievements were recognised in 2022 with a commemorative plaque honouring her rise to stardom.
Youth Development & Early Club Pathway
Russo’s formal development began when she joined Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence from 2007 to 2010. Her progression was rapid, showcasing leadership traits and natural goal-scoring instincts. In 2010, she made a major leap by moving to Chelsea’s academy, where she captained the development squad and became one of the club’s standout young forwards.
On 2 July 2016, she made her senior debut for Chelsea in the FA WSL Continental Cup, marking her first taste of top-flight football at just 17 years old.
In 2017, Russo signed with Brighton & Hove Albion Women, seeking more minutes and a more direct pathway into senior football. On 11 February 2017, she scored Brighton’s first-ever WSL goal in a 1–1 draw with London Bees — a milestone moment in the club’s history and in Russo’s own career.
College Career at the University of North Carolina (2017–2019)
In 2017, Russo made a bold and unconventional decision: moving to the United States to play college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the most decorated programmes in NCAA history. She majored in Sport and Exercise Science, balancing academic commitment with elite football training.
Key Achievements at North Carolina:
2017 (Freshman Year)
- Led the team with 9 goals
- Named co-ACC Freshman of the Year
- Earned ACC Tournament MVP honours
2018 (Sophomore Year)
- Scored 6 goals despite suffering a broken leg
- Named ACC Offensive Player of the Year
2019 (Junior Year)
- Scored a career-high 13 goals
- Helped UNC reach the College Cup final
- Became a Hermann Trophy semi-finalist
Her NCAA performances transformed her from an exciting English prospect into one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
Professional Career & Rise to Global Fame
Manchester United (2020–2023)
On 10 September 2020, Russo signed for Manchester United, fulfilling her childhood dream of playing for the club her grandfather adored.
She made an immediate impact, registering an assist just three days after signing. Over the next three seasons, she became one of United’s most influential players.
Key United Career Highlights:
- Club’s leading scorer in 2021–22 with 11 goals
- Named Players’ Player of the Year by her teammates
- Scored her first WSL hat-trick on 5 March 2023 in a 5–1 win over Leicester City
Russo’s blend of strength, finishing, and late-game composure established her as one of the top forwards in the WSL.
Arsenal (2023–present)
On 4 July 2023, Russo signed for Arsenal Women on a free transfer, becoming one of the most high-profile moves in women’s football.
She scored a debut brace in Champions League qualifiers, immediately confirming her value to the squad.
At Arsenal, she became a central figure in the club’s attacking structure, praised for her tactical intelligence and ability to perform in high-pressure matches.
(Note: Only verified details up to publicly documented seasons are included.)
International Career with England
Senior Debut
Russo made her senior England debut on 11 March 2020 against Spain at the SheBelieves Cup.
Record-Breaking Hat-Trick
On 30 November 2021, she scored a historic 11-minute hat-trick against Latvia, the fastest in England women’s national team history.
Euro 2022 – The Iconic Back-Heel
Russo became a global sensation during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 after scoring an audacious back-heel against Sweden in the semi-final. The goal was:
- Named Goal of the Tournament
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in European Championship history
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Russo contributed significantly to England’s tournament run, scoring:
- The winning goal in the quarter-final vs. Colombia
- Another decisive goal in the semi-final against co-hosts Australia
Her influence cemented her status as one of England’s top forwards.
Legacy Number
Alessia Russo holds Legacy number 215, a formal recognition assigned by The Football Association to honour every woman who has represented England.
Playing Style & On-Pitch Identity
Alessia Russo is known for:
- Intelligent movement between defensive lines
- Strong hold-up play
- Clinical finishing
- Aerial dominance
- Creativity under pressure
- Ability to score in clutch moments
Her combination of technical quality and physical robustness has made her one of Europe’s most respected forwards.
What Is Alessia Russo’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, no official or audited source provides a precise figure for Russo’s net worth.
Based on:
- Arsenal and Manchester United salaries
- England match bonuses
- Sponsorship deals (including major sports brands)
- Public commercial appearances
Her estimated net worth is £1–2 million, though this is only a broad, media-industry approximation rather than a confirmed statement.
Personal Life & Family
Russo comes from an exceptionally athletic family.
Family Members:
- Mario Russo (father): Former footballer and record goalscorer for Metropolitan Police F.C.
- Giorgio Russo (brother): Non-league footballer; also appeared on Love Island
- Luca Russo (brother): Former England U20 athlete in track and field
Her upbringing was grounded in a supportive, competitive, and sports-centric environment. Despite rising fame, Russo maintains a private personal life, avoiding controversy and focusing on performance and family.
Personal Life & Relationship Status of Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo is known for keeping her personal life extremely private, and as of late 2025 there is no publicly confirmed romantic partner. Multiple reputable reports note that the England and Arsenal forward has not announced a relationship, nor has she been photographed publicly with a partner. Russo herself avoids discussing her dating life in interviews, choosing instead to focus on her football career, training, and family.
Several outlets and fan-led forums have attempted to link Russo romantically to Patrick Brough, a lower-league English footballer. These rumours stem from social-media activity such as mutual follows and old photos that circulated online. However, neither Russo nor Brough has ever confirmed a relationship, and no major UK media organisation has validated the speculation. For this reason, the rumour remains unverified and should not be treated as factual.
What is confirmed is Russo’s strong commitment to privacy. She has spoken in interviews about valuing a grounded lifestyle, staying close to her family in Kent, and keeping her off-pitch life away from public attention. With her rising profile in women’s football and increasing media scrutiny, Russo has been praised for maintaining a mature, disciplined approach to fame.
Therefore, as of 2025, Alessia Russo is considered single publicly, and any alleged romantic connections remain speculative and unconfirmed.
Cultural Heritage & Identity
Russo proudly acknowledges her Italian heritage, tracing roots back to Sicily. Her family’s football traditions and immigrant identity shaped her character, work ethic, and early dreams — especially her long-standing emotional connection to Manchester United.
Awards & Achievements (Verified)
- UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Champion
- Euro 2022 Goal of the Tournament
- England hat-trick record – fastest in history (11 mins)
- Multiple NCAA awards (ACC Freshman of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, ACC Tournament MVP)
- WSL Players’ Player of the Year (Manchester United)
Controversies
As of 2025, Alessia Russo has no major public controversies. Her reputation is one of professionalism, humility, and positive representation of women’s football.
FAQs
1. How old is Alessia Russo?
She is 26 years old (born 8 February 1999).
2. What club does Alessia Russo play for?
She plays for Arsenal Women.
3. What position does Alessia Russo play?
She is a forward.
4. What is Alessia Russo’s net worth?
Estimated £1–2 million (not officially confirmed).
5. What is Alessia Russo most famous for?
Her Euro 2022 back-heel goal and her performances for England.