From her Sicilian grandfather to US degree – behind the scenes of England World Cup hero Alessia Russo

Picture: Russo is hoping to fire England to glory (Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

England striker Alessia Russo is one game away from joining an exclusive list of players to have won the World Cup for England.

The Lioness, who joined Arsenal as a free agent from Manchester United this summer, scored England’s third goal against Australia in the semi-final to book their date with Spain in Sunday’s final.

The 24 year-old has enjoyed a brilliant Women’s World Cup 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 School 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 her older brother, Luca, has represented England 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 before the start of a game.

Ironically, Stoney would sign Russo for Manchester United when she was the manager in 2020.

Having 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.

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Her time studying stateside also saw her room with England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Where does Alessia Russo 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.

Like England goalkeeper Mary Earps, Russo likes to rewind by jetting off on luxurious holidays with friends and family – with LA and Malibu amongst her recent visits.

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