QB weekly: 26. 10. - 1. 11. 2026

Another week of women’s football is here! La reina did it again, the title race in Norway’s Eliteserien has been decided, Alessia Russo has achieved another career first, and one of the game’s prominent players has retired from professional football.

Russo is on fire!

Although Arsenal have struggled to find their best form in the WSL, Alessia Russo is playing at her very best. The England international has scored ten goals in her last eight matches. This week, she also became the all-time leading English goalscorer in the UEFA Women's Champions League, surpassing Fran Kirby's previous record. Wearing the captain's armband against Benfica, Russo scored a hattrick to secure three crucial points for Arsenal in their pursuit of Europe's most prestigious club trophy. 

Brann are back to back norwergian champions

Great week for Brann and specially Brenna Lovera. The Norwegian side started the week with a win in the first leg of the Europa Cup, securing a three-goal advantage at home against Czarni Sosnowiec ahead of the return leg. They then beat LSK Kvinner to clinch the league title with one game to spare. Brann have successfully defended their title despite losing last season's top scorer, Signe Gaupset. It was a particularly memorable week for Brenna Lovera, who played a key role in both victories with her goals.

Thank you, Rafaelle

First Brazilian in the NWSL, Rafaelle Souza has announced her retirement from the NWSL, bringing an end to her time with Orlando Pride. The experienced centre-back previously played for Arsenal, where she became an important part of the Gunners' defence.

The 35-year-old joined Orlando in 2023 and helped the club win both the NWSL Shield and Championship in 2024. During her time at Arsenal, she made 35 appearances and helped the Gunners lift the 2022/23 Women's League Cup. Rafaelle has also enjoyed a successful international career with Brazil, winning the 2022 Copa América Femenina as captain and Olympic silver in Paris in 2024. Her retirement from the NWSL takes effect at the end of the 2026 season.

Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or

La Reina does it again. On Monday, Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or at the prestigious ceremony in London, claiming the award for the first time since 2022. During wearing the Barcelona jersey, she helped the Catalan side secure a domestic treble and the Women's Champions League title. She also enjoyed success on the international stage, helping Spain win the Nations League and qualify directly for the World Cup.

Even scoring in every knockout match and delivering two goals and an assist in the final was not enough for runner-up Ewa Pajor to take home the award.

"It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl or where you’re from. If you want to play football, play. If you want to do it, do it," Putellas said as she accepted the award.

Cathinka Tandberg signed a new deal with her childhood club

Tottenham have secured the future of Norwegian forward Cathinka Tandberg, who signed a new contract with the club on Friday. The 22-year-old joined Spurs from Swedish side Hammarby in September 2025 and has since scored eight goals in 31 appearances. Tandberg, who grew up supporting Tottenham, previously impressed in Sweden, winning the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot with Linköping in 2023 before moving to Hammarby. The length of her new contract has not been disclosed.