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How Aitana Bonmati won a third successive Ballon d'Or – and entered the GOAT debate

It's incredible to think that, four years ago, Aitana Bonmati was the subject of one of the most shocking snubs in Ballon d'Or history. After playing a starring role in Barcelona's first Women's Champions League triumph, the midfielder looked sure to be in the mix for the Golden Ball - and yet, she didn't even make the 20-player shortlist. Did she take it personally? Knowing her focus on team over individual, perhaps not, but she's certainly made herself impossible to ignore in the interim, with Bonmati claiming a third successive Ballon d'Or on Monday.

Barcelona player ratings vs Getafe: Perfect conditions for the 'shark'! Ferran Torres hits brilliant brace & Marcus Rashford bags another assist in rain-soaked La Liga stroll

Ferran Torres showed he can deliver when Robert Lewandowski doesn't and Barcelona's midweek Champions League hero Marcus Rashford continued his good form as Getafe were put to the sword. Torres' brace and Dani Olmo's strike, from Rashford's assist, ensured that the Blaugrana kept the pressure on bitter rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win.

Man City player ratings vs Arsenal: Pep Guardiola made to pay for going full Jose Mourinho as Gunners steal draw right at the death after bafflingly early Erling Haaland substitution

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola seemed to take a leaf out of his great managerial rival Jose Mourinho's book with a park the bus-like approach, but it came back to haunt them in a 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Erling Haaland was at his ruthless best but was taken off surprisingly early on Sunday as Gabriel Martinelli cancelled out his opener in dramatic fashion at the death.

Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Gabriel Martinelli saves the day! Brazilian magic & inventive Eberechi Eze rescue draw for battling Gunners

Arsenal left it late to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, with Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench to equalise in added time. The result leaves the Gunners five points adrift of early table-toppers and reigning champions Liverpool having won three, drawn one and lost one of their opening five matches this season.

Arsenal women's player ratings vs Man Utd: Alessia Russo & Co fail to find breakthrough in hard fought away draw but Lionesses prospect Katie Reid continues to shine

Arsenal's perfect start to the new Women's Super League season came to an end on Sunday at Manchester United as the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw in a game they had the better of. Olivia Smith hit the crossbar, Caitlin Foord whistled an effort just wide and Alessia Russo had a decent opportunity through on goal saved as Renee Slegers' side turned the screw in a hard-fought encounter, but the visitors had to settle for a point on the road in the end.

Man Utd women's player ratings vs Arsenal: Red Devils drop first points of 2025-26 amid defensive selection headache as Melvine Malard & Jess Park fall flat on emotional afternoon of WSL action

Manchester United dropped their first WSL points of the season when being held to a goalless draw by Arsenal, who had also opened the 2025-26 campaign with back-to-back wins. An emotional afternoon saw tears shed before kick-off as tributes were paid to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on September 20 at 47 years of age.

Chelsea women's player ratings vs Leicester: Lionesses hero Aggie Beever-Jones keeps reigning WSL champions perfect as Sam Kerr gets more minutes

In-form striker Aggie Beever-Jones scored again as Chelsea made it three wins from three with a tight 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the Women’s Super League on Sunday. The Blues forward maintained her perfect record of scoring in every WSL game so far this season with a well-taken finish against Rick Passmoor’s Foxes, who played well for large periods but lacked killer instinct in the final third.

Inter Miami player ratings vs D.C. United: Lionel Messi bails out the Herons as the Black and Red nearly snatch result

At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United - giving Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t as straightforward as Messi and Co. hoped, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.

Man Utd player ratings vs Chelsea: Casemiro, you lucky boy! Brazilian goes from hero to zero as battling Bruno Fernandes helps keep Ruben Amorim afloat

Manchester United finally beat a top-level opponent under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford as they secured a 2-1 win over Chelsea, courtesy of goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. And yet the Portuguese coach should still face hard questions after his side made life hard for themselves despite taking a 2-0 lead against 10 men, following Robert Sanchez's early red card.