Fifa Women's World Cup: What's next for Alessia Russo after she scores England's third goal against Australia?

If England Women’s World Cup forward Alessia Russo was feeling ‘on top of the world’ after her team beat Colombia 2-1 to reach the sem-finals, she at the time of writing, has scored the third goal in England's semi-final against Australia to make it 3-1. So, in other words, she is beyond elated!

Sky News reports that "It's happening! England are on the verge after Alessia Russo tucks the ball past Mackenzie Arnold to make it 3-1. Lauren Hemp deserves a lot of credit there-she dominated those around her in the middle of the park, sprinting forward before setting her teammate through."

Away from playing for England, in July 2023, Arsenal confirmed the signing of Alessia after her contract expired with Manchester United. Alessia started in youth football at both Oldham Athletic and Chelsea, followed by Brighton. 

Before joining Manchester United in 2020, Alessia had lived in the States where she had played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. When she signed for Arsenal in July, Alessia said “I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going.”

Alessia’s family

Alessia, who is from Italian descent, was born in Maidstone in Kent to Carol and Mario, who played non-league football for Metropolitan Police F.C. She has two brothers, Giorgio who is a former semi- pro football player for Ramsgate and Luca who is reportedly now her agent. 

The Mirror reported that earlier this year, “Russo was awarded an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Church University. The 24-year old is also the first female European sports ambassador for Beats by Dre and likes to listen to Drake, Burna Boy and Rihanna to get her ‘amped up’ to play.”

What’s next in terms of sponsorship deals and salary for Alessia?

According to the Daily Mail, “Russo signed lucrative deals with Adidas, Beats by dr Dre and the luxury brand Oakley in the last year and is set to become the first Women’s Super League player to earn more than £1 million a year, according to the Athletic. The centre forward’s average earnings are estimated to be around £88,000 but her advertising earnings are thought to be between £300,000 and £500,000.”

Alessia Russo’s fellow team mate Leah Williamson, the England women’s captain has deals with the likes of Nike and Pepsi and Gucci, so perhaps it won’t be long before Alessia joins the fashion house too? Leah was signed up by Gucci in 2022 and wore the luxury brand to the Brit awards. 

Alessia Russo, alongside the likes of Mo Salah and Trinity Rodman, has already fronted a collab between Gucci and Adidas for their adidas x Gucci spring/summer 2023 collection.