Alessia Russo. European Champion. World Cup finalist. One of the first-ever winners of the Women’s Finalissima. At just 24-years-old, Russo has already cemented herself as one of the modern game’s greats. 

The young baller’s determination to routinely push boundaries is what sets her apart from the rest of the footballing pack. From silencing Arsenal’s North London rivals in front of 60,000 fans to campaigning for government-backed football initiatives that ensure every child in the UK has the right to play football. Russo’s generation is one that isn’t phased by the uncertainty that comes with change or what the doubters might think. The only thing they care about is progress, and they’ll push themselves to the limits to perfect it. But if there’s something Russo’s already mastered the art of, it’s scoring. 

Her back-heel goal against Sweden in the Euros semi-final saw Russo nominated for the illustrious Puskás Award. It was a goal that will go down in history for its flair and audacity. It’s this type of attitude and unmatched skill that makes Russo the perfect player to front adidas’ latest release: ‘Generation Pred’. 

adidas’ bold new colourway is designed to make today’s stars of the game future legends. The leopard-inspired graphic showcased on the boots’ upper is in keeping with Predator players’ relentless hunt for goals. It's like these boots were made for Russo.

VERSUS sat down with Russo to talk about what makes her generation so different from previous ones, what it feels like to be a part of the Predator family and why it's so important the next generation remember to never fall out of love with the game.

When you hear that term ‘adidas Predator’ what do you think of? 

I think of legacy, and the history of the players who’ve worn the boots across the game before. I also think of super high standards and wanting to push the boundaries in order to achieve new milestones. 

‍When you saw the boots for the first time, what did you think?

They’re loud! But that’s cool – I like a bright boot, and always have even as a kid. They’re nice and bold so I’m excited to wear them. 

‍In terms of boots and the importance of them. Why is it right to make sure your boots are on-point?

I think your boots are your tools so you’ve got to make sure you’re comfortable in them, and feel like you’re ready to perform and play your best in them. Ultimately, the most important part of your kit is what you’ve got on your feet! So to feel comfortable and stable, it’s actually really important to your game. We can’t do our jobs without our boots, that’s it in a nutshell. 

‍These boots are designed to support striking the ball. What does it feel like when you get a clean strike?

I’m a striker so I love scoring and creating goals! Any time you get to shoot as a player in that position, it’s a key moment of the game so you’ve got to make them count. Sometimes you just know when you’ve hit the ball just right and you can anticipate it hitting the back of the net - it’s a great feeling. 

‍When you score in a big game what does that feel like?

I think scoring in any game, it’s the same feeling. I just love scoring and creating chances for my teammates. Of course you have bigger games that mean that little bit more, but honestly, scoring any goal is a great feeling. 

‍You’re now officially a part of the adidas Predator family, was that something you ever thought would happen?

I’ve said it so many times, and it’s because it’s true: I used to love wearing the Predator boots. I’d even save up my pocket money to go and buy them! Whenever a new pair came out I’d ask for them at Christmas - I’ve got core memories attached to this boot. The Predator’s been around for a long time so to now be a part of that journey with adidas, it’s really special. 

‍What advice would you give to the next generation of Predator athletes?

Just be yourself! And remember to enjoy yourself because as you get older football becomes a little more serious, so just make sure you enjoy the journey. Relax, be free and play your normal football.

adidas ‘Generation Pred’ is available to purchase now via adidas.com and select retailers.

‍VERSUS: What is it that’s different about your generation of players, do you think?‍

Alessia Russo: I think the level we play at is really tough. The women’s game has always been of a super high-level - now we’re also getting the stages we deserve - but there’s a lot of young players coming through currently, which is really cool to see. The standard of football keeps getting higher too and that’s because the standard from youth levels is getting bigger and better.

I do think the quality of the women’s game has always been there though, it’s just not been seen as much due to a lack of coverage and engagement over the years, so it’s great to see we’re regularly getting the stages, crowds and levels of fandom we’ve been wanting and needing for a long time. 

‍How does it feel to now be a part of ‘Generation Pred’? 

It’s really cool! The Predator is a boot I’ve always loved. I used to wear them a lot when I was a kid, so to have them play such a crucial role on the pitch again is great to see. There’s also a lot of love amongst players more generally for the Predator because they remember the iconic design like the tongue, as well as the players who have worn them over the years – most athletes want to be able to wear Predator boots at some point. Ultimately, it’s a boot that has a lot of history but it’s amazing to see so many young players recognising that and wanting to represent.

‍How does ‘Generation Pred’ boot fit in with the idea of next-gen players breaking boundaries? 

It feels like it’s come full circle, back to the days when it was Beckham and Zidane, those kinds of eras - and they were some of the best players to ever step foot onto a pitch. It’s cool to see the boots now be worn by players who are either making a name for themselves or at the beginning of their careers; the types of players where the best is yet to come. 

It’s a boot I’ve loved playing in for years and I feel really comfortable wearing them – they help me to feel even more at home on the pitch. And when you feel comfortable, you’re more able to perform at your best and when that happens you can break boundaries. 

‍Beckham, Zidane and yourself have a ‘Predator mindset’: a killer instinct when in front of goal. When your mindset is ‘right’ how do you feel?

I think that’s the most important thing as a player: having the ‘right’ mindset. When you go through highs and lows in your career, you’ve got to keep your mindset as positive as possible. I think that’s what makes you feel your best; when you’re feeling good mentally you’re feeling good on the pitch. It’s a massive part of how you play and it’s not always easy to remain positive and strong mentally. It’s actually really tough because sometimes you just don’t feel good - we’re people too so we have ‘off days’ - but you have to find a way to dig deep and find a solution.