Alessia Russo, the England striker, has revealed that she previously fell into the trap of excessively scrolling through social media during the last Euros tournament. As the Lionesses gear up for the upcoming Euro 2025, Russo is taking proactive steps to protect her mental health and maintain focus by avoiding social media during the competition.
Russo's decision comes in the wake of increased attention on the impact of online abuse on athletes. Tennis player Katie Boulter recently spoke out about the death threats and other forms of abuse she and her family have received, highlighting the dark side of social media for professional sportspeople. Russo expressed empathy for Boulter, acknowledging that many players have similar experiences with online negativity.
"I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game, but it's definitely one that can be really damaging," Russo stated. She admitted that when she was younger, she was more susceptible to getting "sucked into" reading and internalizing comments on social media. However, she has since learned to prioritize the opinions of her teammates, coaches, and family, recognizing them as the individuals whose perspectives truly matter.
Russo's past experience at the Euros served as a valuable lesson. She recounted how she would often find herself scrolling through social media, getting caught in a "trap" of reading potentially harmful comments. In preparation for the World Cup, she made the conscious decision to completely disconnect from all social media platforms, entrusting someone else to manage her Instagram account. This allowed her to fully concentrate on the tournament without the distractions and potential negativity of online interactions.
The Arsenal forward believes that staying away from social media and maintaining a focused team environment is what works best for her. While acknowledging that social media strategies are a matter of personal preference, Russo is clear about the positive impact that avoiding these platforms has on her mental well-being and her performance on the pitch.
Ella Toone, Russo's teammate and Manchester United attacking midfielder, echoed the sentiment that social media usage is an individual choice. She emphasized the importance of respecting each player's decision, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another. As the Lionesses prepare to defend their European title this summer, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for all team members is crucial.
In addition to her efforts to manage her own social media consumption, Russo is also featured in a new four-part docu-series on Instagram. This series aims to provide fans with a unique glimpse into her life, both on and off the field. The episodes explore her journey as a player, her efforts to balance various commitments, and her sense of responsibility in driving the women's game forward.
The docu-series is a collaboration between Meta, Wasserman, and Ten Toes, with the goal of deepening Russo's connection with her fanbase. Michael Johnson, Managing Partner at Ten Toes Media, highlighted the series as another step in providing fans with unparalleled insight into Russo as both an athlete and a person. Luca Russo, Vice President Women's Football Europe at Wasserman, emphasized the series' role in elevating the visibility and recognition of female athletes across the sport. By offering genuine and engaging content, the series aims to captivate existing fans and attract new ones, while also promoting the positive aspects of social media when used responsibly.
