Footie fans, unite! The World Cup is back, and England is already watching the England Women’s Lionessessoar through the group stages - with forward Alessia Russo already scoring some stellar goals in her first ever World Cup.
Of course, Alessia's appearance on the pitch has been accompanied by a lot of cheers (and some very high hopes.) Having played for England at the Euros last summer, Alessia Russo came off the bench to score four times – including that iconic backheel goal that clinched the win against Sweden.
Talking to Grazia earlier this year, Alessia revealed how making the competition would mark a dream come true, saying ‘The World Cup is the pinnacle of football for every young girl. That’s what you dreamed about as a little kid, to play on the world stages.’
Having made the elite team – and solidified her status as one of the biggest names in women’s football – here’s everything you need to know about Alessia Russo.
Who is Alessia Russo and how old is she?
Born on 8 February 1998, Alessia Mia Russo is currently 24 years old. That means Alessia Russo's star sign is Aquarius – meaning she’s independent, yet works well in a team. Sounds like the perfect mix for an athlete to us!
Where is Alessia Russo from?
From Italian descent, Alessia Russo was born in Maidstone, Kent, where she grew up alongside her brothers, Luca and Giorgio. Alessia’s own father was a police officer with a knack for football, becoming the Met Police’s all-time top scorer. And clearly, sports runs in the family – with her brothers also pursuing a career in football.
It was as a child that Alessia got her first taste of women’s football – as a mascot, though! A seven or eight year old Alessia appeared as a mascot for then-Charlton Athletic captain Casey Stoney, walking out hand in hand onto the pitch. In a twist of fate that was clearly written in the stars, Casey later signed the athlete in 2020 for Manchester United.
Who does Alessia Russo play for?
The star has made a name for herself playing for Manchester United, previously playing under names such as Chelsea, Brighton, and ACC team North Carolina Tar Heels.
But after her contract with Man U came to an end, it was announced that Alessia would be signing with Arsenal.
What is Alessia Russo's salary?
It's no secret that women footballers are paid much less than male footballer's average salary - a disappointing fact. The average Women's Super League salary is believed to be around £47,000, but some can come in as lower.
After their record-breaking win last summer, it was reported by the Telegraph that the Lionesses were set for the most 'generous bonus in the FA's history,' with each player looking at £55,000. However, this is still significantly more than the £5 million bonus the England Men's team would have reportedly received had they won.
The Athletic has estimated that Alessia could be sitting around £35,000 - £45,000 a year, with it rising each year.
Is Alessia Russo in a relationship?
Notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to her life away from the pitch, Alessia hasn't made any public announcements when it comes to her love life. It's believed the athlete is single.
What was Alessia Russo's back heel goal?
Arguably the best Euro 2022 moment, Alessia made football history after delivering the goal that quickly went viral. Scoring a nutmeg in the 68th minute during England's semifinal match against Sweden, the star took the Lionesses to 3-0 and eliminated any chance of Sweden fighting back.
What happened between Alessia Russo and Richard Madeley?
Richard Madeley left many football fans angry after the Good Morning Britain host interviewed Alessia after her World Cup win. Appearing on the show, Richard asked, 'How are you feeling? It's three days on now. If I was your dad and asked you that - "how are you feeling love" - what would you say?'
Many fans took to social media to brand Richard's tone 'patronising,' arguing that a male athlete would not have received the same question. One viewer wrote, 'He's talking to these girls like they did well in a primary school play,' as another agreed ' Would he address a male footballer like that? Could be PLEASE stop being so patronising? She's a European Cup winner, an elite sportsperson - not a primary school kid!'
When did the World Cup start?
The World Cup started on July 20th, taking place in Australia and New Zealand. The final will take place on Sunday 20 August at 11AM, seeing the Lionesses take on Spain to win the World Cup.