Arsenal attacker and English Alessia Russo grew up collecting football stickers and trade cards, just like most other young fans and inspiration for future players.
But at that age, the players collected by Russo collected and exchanged all the men’s stars.
Even for someone born in 1999, who had been lucky to enjoy a professional career since day one – unlike many older teammates, visible female football stars were not part of her childhood.
Players like Kelly Smith, Alex Scott, Rachel Yankey and Jill Scott were a superstar of those who were dedicated to a few who knew women’s football, but it was a very small market and the game had not yet pervaded the wider cultural space where these players also existed in the thoughts of people outside the sport.
The rapid growth of women’s football in England in the last few years, which has pushed the progressive success on Lionaesus since 2019 and exploding in 2022, has also accelerated the increased visibility of the players themselves, in marketing, goods and media performances.
One of the major growth factors in women’s football is to serve thirst for fans. People don’t just want to watch a 90 -minute match once or twice a week, but want to live it and breathe it every day. The shirts are with a dedicated print, other official or unofficial merch, … pic.twitter.com/xm84iioyvud
– Jamie Spencer (@Jamiespencer155) 27 January 2025
Panini was the driver of this, first with the success of the official albums of Barclays WSL sticker since last season, and now it is launching First ever wsl adrenalyn xl trading cards from the iconic brand.
“I used to collect Panini cards and stickers and traded them on the playground when I was younger. It’s nice that women’s football is now involved in this. I’m so grateful to be a part of everything,” Russo said a new collection that will be sold this week.
In a collection of 360 cards, Russo is one of the five gold balleries, the most desirable items they found, with Laren’s Lauren James and Grace Clinton in Manchester United.
“Being in a collection like a golden baler, it’s not something I predicted. But it’s great and I’m so grateful,” Russo said.
“I remember trading men’s maps when I was a kid, and I have WSL cards and women’s tickets, it’s amazing. It’s a play visibility and shows football a place for everyone.
“[Panini’’s] Including the women’s game is great. Trade cards when you are a child species is where your love for football comes. And I know when I was younger, I liked to get new books with stickers and collect them. Having a women’s collection is our game now is great.
“I hope that will be able to inspire more girls in future generations.”
Alessia Russo spoke with Onefootball at the launch event for the Panini Barclays Women Super League Adrenaly XL collection collection. The album is now available in stores in the UK!
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