According to a report by London Evening Standard on Tuesday November 10, 2026, Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has received an official nomination for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2026 award following an outstanding campaign for club and country.

The England international is among five players shortlisted for the prestigious individual honour, with supporters now having the opportunity to vote for the winner.

The nomination recognises Russo's impressive performances throughout the 2025/26 season. She enjoyed the most productive campaign of her career in front of goal, establishing herself among the leading players in women's football.

Arsenal confirmed her nomination through their official website after the BBC announced the five-player shortlist on Tuesday morning.

Russo faces competition from Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw. An expert panel consisting of current and former footballers, coaches and journalists selected the nominees.

Fans will determine the eventual winner through a public vote. Voting will remain open until 9am GMT on Wednesday, November 18.

The award is celebrating its 12th edition this year. For the first time, the winner will be announced during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on December 13.

Russo has strong reasons to believe she can claim the prize after scoring 24 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions last season.

Her achievements included a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham during Arsenal's 5-2 victory in the north London derby in March.

She also played an important role in helping the Gunners win the inaugural Women's Champions Cup. Arsenal defeated Corinthians 3-2 after extra time to secure the historic trophy.

Russo described the achievement as special, particularly because Arsenal became the competition's first winners.

The striker also reached another milestone with England in April by scoring her 30th senior international goal. That achievement moved her into the top 10 of the Lionesses' all-time leading goalscorers.

Arsenal have previously celebrated success in the award through Kim Little in 2016, Vivianne Miedema in 2021 and Beth Mead in 2022. Russo finished second last year and will now hope to go one step further.