The Silent War Behind the Goals
While the spotlight at Euro 2025 has rightfully shone on the tournament’s top scorers, another battle—just as fierce but far subtler—is unfolding in the shadows. The race for the Most Assists award is a masterclass in playmaking, vision, and selfless brilliance. Two names stand above the rest: Alexia Putellas, Spain’s indomitable captain, and Alessia Russo, England’s redefined striker-turned-creator.
With the semi-finals and final looming, the assist crown is still up for grabs. Putellas leads with four, but Spain must first overcome Germany to reach the final. Russo, sitting on three, has already secured her place in the title decider—giving her one last chance to overtake the Spanish legend.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about influence, leadership, and the delicate balance between personal glory and the ultimate prize: lifting the Euro 2025 trophy.
Alexia Putellas: The Maestro’s March (4 Assists and Counting)
If football is an orchestra, Alexia Putellas is its conductor. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has been Spain’s heartbeat at Euro 2025, dictating play with a surgeon’s precision. With four assists already—the most in the tournament—she is the frontrunner for the playmaking accolade.
But her mission is far from over. Spain’s semi-final against Germany offers her at least one more game—and potentially a final—to extend her lead. Putellas thrives under pressure, a trait that has cemented her as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Her versatility has been key. Deployed as a winger, right-sided midfielder, and in her natural left-attacking role, she adapts seamlessly to Spain’s possession-dominant system (73.5% average possession at Euro 2025). Every touch, every pass, is calculated.
“We have to do what we’ve been doing and look to perfect it,” Putellas said ahead of the semi-final. “There are four teams left, and we have to get close to excellence—and even that doesn’t guarantee winning it. That’s how this sport works, and that’s the magic of it.”
Spain’s confidence is sky-high. “We have 100% confidence and maximum motivation to keep moving forward and to make history,” she added.
With a potential Ballon d’Or Feminin on the horizon, Putellas isn’t just chasing an assist title—she’s chasing immortality.
Alessia Russo: The Evolving Forward (3 Assists and Counting)
While Putellas is the established genius, Alessia Russo is Euro 2025’s surprise playmaker. England’s striker has three assists—including a hat-trick of assists against the Netherlands—despite not yet opening her own scoring account.
Her role has evolved. No longer just a finisher, Russo has become England’s link-up architect, dropping deep, dragging defenders, and creating space for teammates.
“It’s not just scoring that makes her an unbelievable player,” teammate Lauren Hemp said. “It’s the things she does off the ball as well. She creates loads of chances for everyone else… It’s mad that she hasn’t scored yet because she has contributed so much to the team.”
Mary Earps went further, calling her “one of the best strikers in the world right now.”
Russo’s mentality is unshakable. “I don’t necessarily feel pressure,” she shrugged after the quarter-final, even admitting she was “slightly annoyed” at missing chances—yet still setting up crucial goals.
Fresh off sharing the WSL Golden Boot and winning the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year (2024–25), Russo is in the form of her life. And with one guaranteed game left—the final—she has a golden opportunity to overtake Putellas.
The Final Showdown: Assist Crown vs. Team Glory
The numbers tell one story:
- Putellas (4 assists, 1-2 games left)
- Russo (3 assists, 1 game left—the final)
But the real story is about legacy.
For both players, the assist title would be a shining personal triumph—but neither would trade it for a silver medal.
“We never give up, and we can win by any means,” England manager Sarina Wiegman declared. “We are going for that goal.”
Chloe Kelly, after reaching the final, echoed that sentiment: “This team deserves nothing but that. Three finals on the bounce, and we want more.”
Putellas, ever the team leader, summed it up best: “The growing attention for women’s football is the fruit of many people.”
In the end, the Most Assists award is a testament to brilliance—but the only trophy that truly matters is the one lifted in Berlin.
Who will claim both? The final chapters await.
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