Robin van Persie continued his sensational scoring form by claiming a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed ten-man Blackburn Rovers 7-1 to record their biggest victory for more than four years.
FIFA.com has welcomed many more players, clubs and rivalries into the Classic Football section during the past 12 months. Now we look back over those greats who earned their place in 2011.
As 2011 draws to a close, FIFA.com looks back at some of the eye-catching stats behind the year's biggest events and achievements in the world of football.
FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.
This month's women's football round-up features the latest from Women's EURO 2013 qualifying, Sao Jose's triumph in Brazil and a prestigious award for Japan's Aya Miyama.
Swedish international Mikael Lustig has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Celtic and is set to join the Scottish club in January.
UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship
