Alessia Russo signs new long-term contract with Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal have announced that Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Since joining in July 2023, the forward has become a central figure in the team, scoring 36 goals in 72 games and helping secure both the 2024 League Cup and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Alessia Russo signs new contract after breaking records and winning awards

At 26, Russo has already left her mark with back-to-back record scoring seasons. She struck 16 times in her first campaign before improving to 20 goals last year. Her 12 goals in 21 league appearances during 2024/25 earned her the Barclays Women’s Super League Golden Boot, underlining her place among the most clinical forwards in the game.

Russo’s impact on the European stage proved just as decisive. She scored twice in the dramatic quarter-final turnaround against Real Madrid and added another crucial goal in the semi-final victory over Lyon, setting the stage for Arsenal’s historic Champions League triumph.

Her outstanding season brought individual recognition too. Russo was voted Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and named in both the PFA and UEFA Champions League Teams of the Year. She is also on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which has led Arsenal to giving Russo a new long-term contract.

Success on the international stage

Russo’s influence extends far beyond club football. She played a vital role in England’s European Championship wins in 2022 and 2025 and was a key figure during the Lionesses’ run to the World Cup final in 2023. A mural of Russo was also unveiled at her grassroots club after England’s historic Euro 2025 success just last month.

Alessia’s message to supporters

Reflecting on her new contract, Russo spoke about her bond with Arsenal and her drive to keep achieving more.

“Arsenal feels like home,” she said. “This is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joined two years ago. Playing for Arsenal is an honour and has pushed me to develop and grow as a player, and I feel empowered with this badge on my chest.

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved together as a club with our supporters driving us forward. But I’m still so hungry for more success and I know that’s shared by everyone here. I can’t wait to get started this season, beginning with this Saturday at Emirates Stadium.”

Alessia Russo contract: Striker receives praise from the club

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said Russo’s commitment is vital to Arsenal’s ambitions.

“Alessia is one of the best strikers in world football and we’re thrilled to have agreed a new, long-term contract with her. We are all determined to bring more silverware to this club and keeping players like Alessia is crucial to achieving that. I know our supporters will be delighted by this news and I join them in congratulating Alessia on her new contract.”

Head Coach Renée Slegers also highlighted her importance both on and off the pitch.

“Alessia is a really important part of our group and I’m so pleased that she has signed a new deal here. As a striker, Alessia’s goals often take the spotlight but she brings so much more to our group. She’s a selfless player, working so hard for the team, and she also contributes so much to our team culture. I’m looking forward to striving for more together.”