Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Lioness trades goals for gowns at city university
Striker handed title at special ceremony
Kent football ace Alessia Russo swapped goals for gowns as she received an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Russo, who was born in Maidstone, played a key part in last summer’s European Championships win, scoring four goals as the Lionesses went on to secure their first major title.
And in a service at Canterbury Cathedral on Friday, January 27, the 23-year-old, who plays for Manchester United, was made an honorary doctor of the university for her services to sport. In a post on social media, a spokesman for Christ Church said: “We’re so pleased to wel
come Alessia into our university family.
“This comes after her incredible professional achievements, bringing it home with the Lionesses at the Euros and for being such an inspiration to girls and women in sport.”
In another post, Manchester United were keen to show off their star’s achievement. Fans and well-wishers were quick to send congratulations, with the football team’s tweet sharing the news being liked more than 7,000 times.
One fan tweeted: “Congratulations, Alessia.
“As an alumni, I’m very proud to see CCCU recognise women’s sporting successes.” Another praised her acceptance speech, calling it “fabulous, powerful, honest, engaging and motivating”.
“Can’t wait to see what the next chapter of her life holds for her,” they added. Sportswear giant Adidas also sent its congratulations, tweeting: “Congratulations on your
honorary doctorate - it’s very well deserved.”
The honour from CCCU is the latest in a growing list of achievements for Russo as her career continues to reach new heights.
Earlier this month, she was nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskas award following her cheeky backheeled finish against Sweden at last year’s Euros.
The prize, which celebrates the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year, has previously been won by legends such as
Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The striker was also subject to a world-record bid of more than £400,000 from Arsenal in January. Manchester United - who are sitting top of the Women’s Super League - rejected the offer. This came after the forward decided not to extend her contract with the club.
And following the Lionesses’ victory in the summer, Maidstone Borough Council announced plans to honour the football ace for her role in the national side’s success. Alessia, who grew up in the County Town, will be invited to open the new Mote Park café and visitor centre, with a room in the facility set to be named after her.
At the time, mayor Cllr Derek Mortimer sung her praises, saying: “We’re delighted to be able to officially recognise Alessia. “We are very much looking forward to her opening this state-ofthe-art facility which will be so important to our beautiful park. “Well done, Alessia – everyone in Maidstone is so proud of you.”