A moment that left fans stunned and cameras searching for answers.
Just minutes before England’s much-anticipated match, cameras caught something no one expected — Alessia Russo, usually calm and confident, appeared visibly emotional during warm-ups. Her eyes, often filled with focus, glistened with tears she tried to hide behind a forced smile.
Rumors spread like wildfire. According to sources close to the team, Russo had a private phone call shortly before stepping onto the pitch — a call believed to be from her longtime boyfriend. Witnesses say she walked away from teammates for a few moments, clutching her phone, before quietly wiping her face.
While no official statement has been released, insiders suggest the conversation may have been a breakup or a painful disagreement over her demanding schedule and public life. One friend described her as “heartbroken but determined not to let it show.”
Despite her emotional state, Russo delivered a solid performance — though many noticed her subdued celebration and distant look after the final whistle.
Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, calling her “strong,” “graceful,” and “human.” Whatever happened before kickoff, one thing is clear: behind the star athlete’s smile lies a story of love, loss, and quiet resilience.
