Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo: Forging Football Glory Up Front!
Alessia Mia Teresa Russo, born on February 8, 1999, in Maidstone, Kent, stands tall at 5ft 8in (173cm) with a commanding forward position. Her extraordinary journey unfolds as a dynamic player for Arsenal WFC and a spirited member of the England national team.
Alessia’s name was etched in history during England’s triumphant UEFA Women’s EURO campaign in 2022. Hailing from Kent, she received her first senior squad call-up in February 2020 for the prestigious SheBelieves Cup held in the USA. What followed was an unexpected leap onto the international stage.
Alessia’s journey resonates with transatlantic experiences, notably her time with the North Carolina Tar Heels while pursuing her studies. Her journey began with a steady ascent through England’s junior ranks, leaving an impact that extended back to her days with the U15 team.
Her journey meandered through Chelsea’s ranks, where she assumed the captaincy of their development team. A significant shift led her to Brighton & Hove Albion, marking her presence during the Spring Series of the FA WSL in 2017. A pivotal return to England with Manchester United in September 2020 propelled her into the spotlight, securing her spot in Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Subsequently, a transition to Arsenal preceded her journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia.
Beyond the pitch, Alessia’s legacy is enriched by her personal roots. Born to Carol and Mario in Maidstone, her family boasts a lineage of athletes. Her father, a record goalscorer for Metropolitan Police F.C., and her brothers Giorgio and Luca, who embraced football at various levels, exemplify her deep-seated connection to the sport. With her Sicilian grandfather’s move to England in the 1950s, she proudly carries forward her Italian heritage, making her journey even more vibrant.
Alessia’s football journey began as a child, playing for Bearsted F.C. Girls U10. This profound connection led to the installation of a commemorative plaque in her honour as part of the “Where Greatness Is Made” campaign at the club in 2022.
A mascot for her future manager Casey Stoney during her time at Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence, Alessia’s journey took her to the St Simon Stock Catholic School in Maidstone. There, she dabbled in various sports, from football and athletics to cricket and netball.
Her pursuit of higher education took her across the Atlantic, following her brother Luca’s footsteps. She embraced a combined athletic-academic program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ultimately achieving a degree with a major in sport and exercise science.
Alessia Russo’s narrative is one of relentless determination, marked by familial connections, heritage, and her unyielding passion for football. As a force on the pitch and a player with 27 senior caps for England, her journey continues to inspire and captivate across generations.