Who is Alessia Russo beyond the goals, the trophies and the headlines?

In Episode 25 of Arsenal Women: Trailblazers, Roberto Revilla explores the journey behind Arsenal’s number 23, from her early years in Kent and breakthrough with England to becoming one of the world’s finest centre-forwards. If you’re new to Arsenal Women, or simply want to get to know the players beyond what you see on a matchday, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

The episode also tackles one of the biggest debates in women’s football: is Arsenal really failing its young players? Following Jessie Gale’s season-long loan to Newcastle United, Roberto explores why supporters often confuse potential with readiness, why players like Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are so exceptional, and what Arsenal’s recruitment of young talents such as Smilla Holmberg and Lisa Baum tells us about the club’s ambitions under Renée Slegers.

Finally, Mariona Caldentey’s latest BBC interview provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on Arsenal’s mentality heading into the new Women’s Super League season. Her simple four-word message – “Now is our time.” – says everything about the belief growing inside this Arsenal squad as they prepare to compete for the biggest honours once again.

Whether you’ve followed Arsenal Women for years or you’re discovering the team for the very first time, Trailblazers is here to help you understand not just the football, but the people, the stories and the culture behind one of the biggest clubs in the women’s game.

Read Suzanne Wrack's piece on Alessia Russo in The Guardian : https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/06/alessia-russo-arsenal-england-wsl-football-interview

Read Joe Bradshaw's interview with Mariona Caldentey here : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c87nlvj2zy9o

Read Sylvain Jamet's match report on Arsenal's U21 and wider analysis of the academy here : https://dailycannon.com/2026/08/arsenal-women-pre-season-london-bees/

Arsenal Women: Trailblazers is a regular fan podcast dedicated to Arsenal Women. Join host Roberto Revilla every week for news, match previews and reports, tactical talking points and the stories that make Arsenal Women true trailblazers.

Connect with the show on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazers

Find us on BlueSky Social @arsenalwomentb

Our new website can be found at www.arsenalwomentrailblazers.com

Intro/Outro Music thanks to raspberrymusic from Pixabay

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