Alessia Russo Named Among World's Top Ten at 70th Ballon d'Or Ceremony

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo was recognized as one of the ten best female footballers in the world during the 70th annual Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London. The 27-year-old, a key figure for the England national team, was the only member of the Lionesses to secure a spot in the top ten of the global rankings, marking a significant milestone in her professional career.

Russo’s journey to the international elite is deeply rooted in her family history. Born in Maidstone in 1999, she maintains a strong connection to her Italian heritage through her paternal grandfather, Alfonso Russo, who emigrated from the Sicilian town of Aragona to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Her father, Mario, a former police officer, fostered her love for the sport, and Russo spent many summers in Italy, where she honed her skills playing against her siblings and cousins.

Her path to professional success took her from the youth fields of Kent to the United States, where she played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Upon returning to England, she played for Brighton and Manchester United before joining Arsenal. Her recent accolades include being a top scorer in the Women's Super League and playing a pivotal role in the Lionesses' European successes in 2022 and 2025.

The 2026 season proved to be particularly productive for the striker. In addition to her domestic performance, Russo demonstrated her offensive prowess during the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net placed her among the most prolific scorers in Europe, with her nine goals in the Women's Champions League highlighting her impact on the pitch.

While Russo celebrated her inclusion in the top ten, the evening was headlined by Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, who claimed the Ballon d'Or Féminin for a record-equalling third time. Putellas, who recently moved to the London City Lionesses, was honored for her instrumental role in Barcelona’s historic quadruple-winning season, which included victories in the UEFA Women's Champions League and Liga F.

The ceremony also recognized Harry Kane, who became the first English player since 2001 to win the men's Ballon d'Or. For the community in Aragona, Sicily, Russo’s achievement serves as a point of immense pride. Her rise to the top of world football is viewed not only as a personal athletic triumph but as a testament to the enduring legacy of her family's migration and their commitment to the sport.