In the last few years, it's seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England's win over Spain in the European Championship final.

Arsenal's perfect start to the new Women's Super League season came to an end on Sunday at Manchester United as the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw in a game they had the better of. Olivia Smith hit the crossbar, Caitlin Foord whistled an effort just wide and Alessia Russo had a decent opportunity through on goal saved as Renee Slegers' side turned the screw in a hard-fought encounter, but the visitors had to settle for a point on the road in the end.

Leading figures from women's football have taken to social media to pay tribute to Matt Beard following the tragic death of the former Liverpool manager. The Women's Super League club announced on Saturday that Beard had passed away at the age of 47, hailing the most successful manager in their history as "a person of real integrity and warmth" in a statement.

Alessia Russo has opened up on her footballing journey, admitting that the sport has shaped her life but also teaching her that there is more beyond the pitch. The Arsenal and England striker reflected on the bold decision to leave home for college in the United States, her close bond with Lotte Wubben-Moy, and the painful memory of the 2023 World Cup final defeat.

On Monday, the winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or Feminin will be crowned in Paris. The last four editions of the prestigious accolade have gone to players representing Spain, with both Alexia Putellas and then Aitana Bonmati claiming back-to-back triumphs. It's possible that a member of La Roja comes out on top this time around as well, with Mariona Caldentey a front-runner alongside those two. But muscling in among them is someone who has helped break all of their hearts this year: Alessia Russo.