As the curtain comes down on the first quarter of the 21st century, we've run through the stars who have shone most bright
A lot has changed over the past 25 years in the world of football. Transfer fees have gone through the roof, stadiums have got bigger and bigger, and never has there been more global superstars than there are right now.
But as we close in on the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, which players, managers and teams have shone the brightest? That's a question we are aiming to answer at GOAL with our series of top-25 rankings to mark this landmark moment in the history of the game. Check out our various lists:
GettyTop 25 USMNT players of the 21st century
Throughout the start of the 21st century, American soccer has seen players continue to raise their level. Playing in Europe was once unheard of; now, there are stars competing for league titles and Champions League crowns on a regular basis. It's an incredible rise, one headlined by countless trailblazers. From Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, American players are now household names, something almost unfathomable just a few decades ago. But who have been the very best of the last 25 years?
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AdvertisementGetty ImagesTop 25 USWNT players of the 21st century
When you consider the heights that the U.S. women's national team has reached over the last few decades, it becomes nearly impossible to truly separate it all. How can you compare success to success? How do you rank a series of seemingly endless legends given all they accomplished, both as individuals and as a group? The goal here is not to separate the good from the great, but rather the great from the greater. But who have been the very best of the last 25 years?
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Getty ImagesTop 25 MLS players of the 21st century
From former European superstars such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham and Thierry Henry to American heroes such as Kasey Keller, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, they've all had an impact in their own unique ways. From MLS Cup titles to Open Cup trophies, individual awards and more, each made an impact on the league. But who have been the very best in MLS of the last 25 years?
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ImagnTop 25 NWSL players of the 21st century
In just the 11 years of the NWSL’s existence, many of the world's best players have taken their careers to the next level, teams have established record-setting fan bases, and international superstars have chosen the league for its remarkable competitiveness. So, how to sort through all the greats to rank the top 25 players in the NWSL? That's the task.
Check out the full list