England footballer, Alessia Russo, named OPI UK&I ambassador
By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 June 2026 | News & Events
Nail brand, OPI, has announced a partnership with England and Arsenal footballer, Alessia Russo, unveiling her as a UK & Ireland ambassador.
A statement from the brand reads that the collaboration ‘celebrates the coming together of beauty and sport, with a purposeful mission to empower women to feel their best, confident selves: on the football pitch, in the workplace or in everyday life’.
Russo was part of the England women’s football team (the Lionesses) when they won the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022 and 2025, and was awarded an MBE in the King’s 2026 birthday honours list this month.
Her role with OPI will see her feature in UK and Ireland campaigns and content, championing confidence, individualism and self-expression: values that are incredibly important to both parties.
Alessia Russo MBE comments: “Confidence is such an important part of performing at your best, both in sport and everyday life.
“I’ve always believed that self-expression and authenticity go hand in hand, which is why I’m excited to be partnering with OPI. It’s a brand that celebrates individuality and empowers people to feel confident in who they are.”
Her go-to OPI shades include bestselling classic red, Big Apple Red: a colour she favours because of her connection to Arsenal, as well as popular subtle pink hue, Bubble Bath.
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In a video for OPI UK&I, the footballer shares: “OPI helps me stay in touch with the feminine side that I love. I always have my nails done, I always love getting my nails done and I’ve always loved using OPI products.
“When you have a nice, fresh nail set, it makes you feel confident. Before every big game or tournament, I’ll always have some sort of design or bright colour.”
With Russo not only an iconic name in football, but a role model for young women as she promotes modern femininity and individualism, the collaboration is a defining moment for OPI – which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The brand’s focus going forward centres around the slogan: ‘It’s more than colour, it’s OPI’, and its partnership with Alessia Russo MBE reflects that.
Jess Gregory, associate brand director at OPI UK&I, comments:
“Alessia embodies confidence, determination and authenticity. She is inspiring the next generation through her success on the pitch and the positive influence she has off it.
“We are thrilled to welcome her to the OPI family and look forward to celebrating confidence and self-expression together.”
Shop OPI products via www.opi.com
