Russo opens up on backheel moment, Euros triumph and vineyard dream in BBC interview

Alessia Russo sits down for the BBC's Football Interview, a late-night chat with host Kelly Somers about the person behind England's footballing star. The special explores mindset, motivation and defining moments, and also delves into Russo's life beyond the pitch, including a long-held dream of owning a vineyard in Italy. The interview will air on BBC One from 23:55 BST on Saturday, 20 September, and will be available across iPlayer, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.

At 26, Russo has become a global name for club and country. She has won the European Championship twice with England and was part of Arsenal's Champions League-winning squad earlier this year. In Euro 2022 she scored four goals, all coming off the bench, and she started every match as England defended the title in the following edition in Switzerland. Her goal against Spain in the final forced extra time before England secured a dramatic victory in the ensuing penalty shootout.

Russo discusses her life-changing move to the United States as a teenager to play college soccer in North Carolina, an experience she says forced her to grow up quickly and learn more about herself. Russo credits a close-knit family for supporting her dream from early on; she grew up with two older brothers and a father who was a police officer, while her mother was a steady source of support.

She describes the role of school and club mentors who helped her gain access to county and academy trials. She recalls the moment Charlton offered her a place in their academy, a turning point that later intertwined with a full-circle moment when she signed for Manchester United under former United manager Casey Stoney.

Her time in the United States and in North Carolina shaped her approach to football and life. She grew close to Lotte Wubben-Moy, who would later join Arsenal with her, and she met Ella Toone through England youth camps. Those friendships anchored her as she returned to England to pursue a professional career and to continue competing at the highest level.

Back in England, Russo found her footing at United, while reflecting on the pivotal World Cup final in 2023 against Spain and the Euros triumphs that redefined the women's game in England. She recalls the instinctive nature of a late backheel that became a defining moment in a semi-final and the openness granted by coach Sarina Wiegman to express themselves on the field.

Off the pitch, family remains central. Her brother Giorgio appeared on Love Island this year, while another brother handles her agency. The father texts her before every game with a plan, and his standard farewell phrase is a compact reminder to bring her best effort. The family dynamic has been a constant source of support through the ups and downs of a professional career.

Asked what she would most like to achieve, Russo replies that a World Cup title would be at the top of the list, while also acknowledging the reality of life after football. She envisions one day running another career, possibly settling in Italy and running a vineyard, living near the coast with family and perhaps having children and a more relaxed life away from professional sport.

Russo closes by reflecting on how far the game has come from the days when she would train with boys in a park to now featuring as one of the sport's most recognizable players. She says the growth of women's football and the visibility of role models have made the journey possible for a new generation of players.