Tom Maston

As the curtain comes down on the first quarter of the 21st century, we have been running through the stars who have shone most bright

The Portugal international fired in a stunning equaliser for Enzo Maresca's side after their goalkeeper again conceded an avoidable goal

Enzo Maresca's side fought back to earn a draw at Old Trafford as they missed the chance to go third in the Premier League

The Lionesses striker impressed on her return to Leigh Sports Village, but poor play from a set-piece cost the Gunners all three points

United moved on from Erik ten Hag's sacking by flying into the League Cup quarter-finals as they saw off the Foxes

GOAL writers debate the drama of the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Rodri's win and chaos surrounding soccer's marquee event

The winner will be announced in Paris on Monday, October 28 - so which of the game's biggest stars are true contenders, and who are merely pretenders?

The England midfielder scored one and helped create another at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's side got back to winning ways in the Premier League

The Bayern Munich star was largely anonymous in Helsinki on his return from injury, though his team-mates did get the job done

The Jamaica international netted twice in the second half at Anfield to ensure Gareth Taylor's side remain on top of the table

Though they were far from fluent going forward, United put in a solid defensive showing to earn a point at Villa Park

The former Arsenal goalkeeper is set to return to action and fill in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Barcelona

Mikel Arteta's side recorded their first continental victory of the campaign with a relatively routine win over the French champions

The Egyptian netted the winner from the penalty spot at Molineux as Arne Slot's side made it five wins from six to start the season

The Red Devils were held at home by the Dutch side as their Danish midfielder opened the scoring, only to be robbed of possession for the equaliser

Pep Guardiola's side may have rescued a point at the death against the Gunners, but the loss of the midfielder could prove hugely damaging long-term

Pep Guardiola's side earned a point deep in stoppage-time after banging down the door throughout the second half against the 10-man Gunners

The Spain shot-stopper produced a remarkable double-save to keep out Mateo Retegui in what proved to be the key moment in Thursday's stalemate