Alessia Russo says watching role model Harry Kane win the men's Ballon d'Or has given her extra motivation as Arsenal look to get their season back on track.
The forward experienced "goosebumps" at the London Palladium on Monday evening when fellow England international Kane claimed football's most prestigious individual prize after Alexia Putellas received the women's award.
Russo, who is preparing to face Benfica in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, said: "It was a special night to see Harry Kane win, I was so excited about that.
"He's one of my role models growing up and as soon as he got announced, I had goosebumps -- Alexia is an incredible player as well.
"It was really nice to celebrate their individual moments and it gives you some motivation to want to kick on.
"I know what we want to achieve as a team this year and maybe it's been tough to begin with, but I believe we've still got great things ahead in this team and in this season."
Russo helped Arsenal end their five-game winless run in the Women's Super League on Saturday, converting a penalty to secure a 2-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham.
The 2025 Champions League winners are 10 points adrift of WSL leaders Chelsea and second-placed Manchester City but have taken four points from their opening two European matches.
Gunners manager Renée Slegers is eager to build on victory over Spurs.
"The way we played with intensity, with fight, with the grittiness that is necessary in a north London derby, that's for us the foundation for performances going forward," Slegers said. "Now we have to back it up."
Chelsea, who also have four points from two Champions League matches, will look to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign at home to Roma.
In Wednesday's other fixtures, Real Madrid travel to Bayern Munich, OL Lyonnes host Inter Milan, and Swiss side Servette face Belgian club Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
