Alessia Russo prioritizes mental health by quitting Instagram during Euro 2025

In July 2025, the England women's national football team, known as the Lionesses, is preparing for their Euro 2025 campaign against France. The team has become acutely aware of the mental health challenges posed by social media as they face a heightened spotlight following their success in Euro 2022. Senior players, including Alessia Russo and Ella Toone, are committed to supporting younger teammates as they navigate the pressures of competing at this level and deal with potential online abuse. Following her experiences with harmful comments and death threats received by tennis player Katie Boulter, Russo has chosen to step away from social media during the tournament. Having previously fallen into the trap of engaging with negative comments, she emphasizes the importance of focusing on the opinions of teammates and coaches instead. The squad's strategy will be individualized, with some players opting to stay offline while others may choose to engage with their social media accounts. The Lionesses value the talent and potential of their new players, and my support from experienced team members, the aim is to create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone, allowing them to showcase their skills on an international stage. It is an increasingly common challenge for athletes, especially women, to deal with the barrage of negativity that can accompany their public profiles, and the Lionesses are focused on creating a positive environment amid these challenges.