Ahead of a decisive week for her club, Alessia Russo is in a formidable state of mind. The Arsenal and England striker is currently in peak form, attributing her on-field success to a sense of personal contentment and a disciplined focus on the present moment.
“I feel in a really good place,” Russo stated. “Staying present, enjoying the here and now, and focusing on each moment as it comes is what helps me perform. It’s about being locked in on one thing at a time.”
This mindset will be crucial as Arsenal faces a demanding schedule, beginning with a highly anticipated Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against domestic rivals Chelsea. The match is the first of three significant London derbies at the Emirates Stadium in a short span.
While the Women’s Super League title may be a distant prospect, Arsenal remains alive in both the Champions League and the FA Cup. Russo, who lifted the European trophy last season, acknowledges a shift in pressure. “We know what it takes, and we know how incredible that winning feeling is. We want to experience it again and again,” she explained.
Facing a side of Chelsea’s caliber demands clinical precision. Russo noted the evolution in her own game, learning to value quality over quantity in chances. “When I was younger, I might have lashed at opportunities. Now, we understand we might only get a few big moments in a game against top teams. Our messaging is about making those moments matter.”
Her approach to missed chances is rooted in positivity, a lesson she credits to former teammates. “The mindset is that creating those chances means you’re doing something right. It’s about building momentum and trusting that the next one will go in.”
While her goal-scoring record is impressive, Russo’s contributions in a sometimes deeper role have become increasingly vital. She expressed that recognition from within the team matters most. “I don’t care where I play,” she said, noting that experiencing different positions has given her a broader understanding of the game. She also takes clear pride in the defensive and combative aspects of her play. “I’ll never say anything beats scoring, but I do enjoy the hard graft. I enjoy when things get tough.”
This resilience is underpinned by a close-knit family, including her parents and brothers, who are a constant presence. “They are a massive part of what motivates me,” Russo shared. “I’m driven by winning, but also by making the people around me proud.” The recent arrival of a niece has added a new source of joy and perspective. “She’s the light of our family. Kids make everything better. After a game, good or bad, she doesn’t care—she’s just playing with her toys.”
Beyond the pitch, Russo is channeling her platform into The Alessia Russo Foundation, which focuses on girls’ participation in sports, empowering young women, and elevating women’s health. “I was lucky to have a supportive family and a passion for football, but not everyone has that,” she said. “I would hate it if we missed out on talent because someone didn’t know where to start or lacked support.” She highlighted similar initiatives by fellow England internationals, seeing a collective responsibility to create opportunities.
To unwind, Russo turns to family, friends, films, and books—currently thrillers by Freida McFadden. She also follows the Arsenal men’s team closely. “It’s different enough because it’s not my football,” she said, praising the positive connection between the men’s and women’s setups at the club.
The prospect of both Arsenal teams securing silverware this season is a tantalizing one. “That would be amazing,” Russo said with a smile, before refocusing. “But it means nothing if we don’t perform now. We’re fortunate to be in these competitions, but we have to go out and win.”
