striker Alessia Russo is one game away from joining an for England.
The Lioness, who joined Arsenal as a free agent from this summer, in the semi-final to book their .
The 24 year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign for the European champions, netting a further two goals in previous stages of the competition.
Russo first hit the spotlight with her now infamous backheeled goal against Sweden in last year’s victorious Euro 2022 campaign on home soil – with her performances Down Under over the past four weeks only serving to enhance her reputation.
With Russo excelling on the pitch, let’s take a look at her life away from the grass.
Alessia Russo’s family life
Russo was born in February 1999 to parents Carol and Mario.
Growing up in Maidstone, Kent, she attended the St Simon Stock Catholic where she also partook in athletics, cross country, cricket and netball.
Russo’s middle brother, Giorgio, has played non-league football for various teams whilst older brother, Luca, has represented in track and field at U20 level.
Father Mario is the all-time top goalscorer for non-league side Met Police FC.
Spotting her potential from a very early age, Mario moved his daughter from a girls team to a boys team – which prompted ‘strange looks’ from other parents.
Aged just eight, Russo featured as a mascot for then-Charlton Athletic captain Casey Stoney beofre the start of a game.
Ironically, Stoney would sign Russo for Manchester United when she was the manager in 2020.
Havin been offered a scholarship by Chelsea at the time when she was considering university, Russo instead opted to attend the University of North Carolina where she earnt a degree with a major in sport and exercise science.
Her time studying stateside also saw her room with England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Where does she get her name from?
Russo, as you might have guessed from her unusual name, is of Italian descent.
Her Sicilian grandfather moved to England in the 1950s and wasted no time in emerging himself in UK culture.
Her grandfather became a Manchester United fan and passed on this love to his children and grandchildren.
Does Alessia Russo have a partner?
Russo is not believed to be in a relationship currently.
Earlier this year, she was presented with an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Russo is also the first ever female European sports star for Beats by Dre with Rihanna, Burna Boy and Drake amongst her favourite pre-match tunes.
, Russo likes to rewind by jetting off on luxurious holidays with friends and family – with LA and Malibu amongst her recent visits.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, and
Share your views in the comments below
