Alessia Russo emerges as a Ballon d’Or contender after England’s Euro 2025 triumph
England forward Alessia Russo has officially entered the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin following her standout performances in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, where she played a pivotal role in guiding England to the title.
The Arsenal striker was instrumental in England’s European campaign, starting all six matches and contributing five goal involvements two goals and three assists across 507 minutes of play. Most notably, she scored a crucial equalizer in the final against Spain, which sent the match to penalties. England went on to win the shootout 3-1.
Russo’s Rise to Global Recognition
The 25-year-old’s impact this season goes beyond international play. Russo was also a key figure in Arsenal’s run through the Women’s Champions League, further cementing her status as one of the most consistent and dynamic forwards in Europe.
Her combination of international and club-level success now places her firmly among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or, alongside high-profile names such as Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, the current holder of the prestigious award.
Ballon d’Or 2025: Strong Competition Expected
With the official Ballon d’Or nominations to be revealed on August 7, anticipation is building for what is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet. The award will once again be decided by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, recognizing excellence in women’s football over the past season.
Russo’s consistent performances on the biggest stages capped by her Euro heroics have made her a serious candidate for the first Ballon d’Or of her career. If she wins, she would become the first Englishwoman to claim the prize since its inception in 2018.
