Russo draws inspiration from 'role model' Kane's Ballon d'Or as Arsenal target WSL revival

Alessia Russo has cited Harry Kane as a personal role model after watching the England captain collect the men’s Ballon d’Or at the London Palladium on Monday, saying the moment has sharpened her ambitions as Arsenal attempt to revive their Women’s Super League season.

The Arsenal forward was present when Kane received football’s most prestigious individual award alongside women’s winner Alexia Putellas. “It was a special night to see Harry Kane win, I was so excited about that,” Russo said. “He’s one of my role models growing up and as soon as he got announced, I had goosebumps — Alexia is an incredible player as well.”

Russo added that the ceremony had a galvanising effect heading into a demanding week. “It was really nice to celebrate their individual moments and it gives you some motivation to want to kick on. I know what we want to achieve as a team this year and maybe it’s been tough to begin with, but I believe we’ve still got great things ahead in this team and in this season.”

The 25-year-old converted a penalty on Saturday to help Arsenal end a five-match WSL winless run with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby. Despite the result, the 2025 Champions League winners remain 10 points behind WSL leaders Chelsea and second-placed Manchester City.

Manager Renee Slegers is determined to use the Spurs win as a springboard. “The way we played with intensity, with fight, with the grittiness that is necessary in a north London derby — that’s for us the foundation for performances going forward,” she said. “Now we have to back it up.”

Arsenal’s attention turns to Europe on Wednesday, when they face Benfica in the Women’s Champions League. The Gunners have gathered four points from their opening two group fixtures, level with Chelsea, who host Roma in the same round of matches. Elsewhere in Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League programme, Real Madrid travel to Bayern Munich, Lyon host Inter Milan, and Servette Chenois face OH Leuven.