Top 15 Players With Most Assists In Football History

Football is not just about scoring; it’s also about those creative players who skewer the ball

through tight defensive spaces to find their team’s forward, who completes the symphony by scoring the goal. Assists are the heartbeat of beautiful football, the final touch before glory.

A great player and a modern-day footballer is now defined not just by goals but by G/A statistics. This means both goals and assists are included. Let’s talk about those top 15 players who’ve mastered the art of the assist, shaping the game with vision, precision, and genius.

14. Mesut Ozil (219 Assists)

Mesut Ozil was the prime creator of all the teams he has played in his career. He weaved his magic not just with Arsenal in the Premier League but also with the Los Blancos, Real Madrid in the LaLiga. Known as the “Assist King,” he made creating goals look as natural as scoring them. That is why he is a five-time German Player of the Year, the Premier League’s top assist provider in 2015/16, and has been named to the UEFA Team of the Year twice.

13. Franck Ribery (224 Assists)

The master player of Bayern Munich and also at Serie A and Ligue 1, he was a complete player. He has won the UEFA Best Player award in Europe (2013) and been named German Footballer of the Year (2008) and French Player of the Year three times (2007, 2008, 2013). He also won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award in 2013 and the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball in 2013.

He finished 3^rd in the Ballon d’Or 2013, and some even agreed he should have won it.

12. David Beckham (225 Assists)

Not only a master free-kick taker but also a creative player on the pitch. His vision and pinpoint accuracy made him one of football’s greatest assist providers, creating chances for teammates across leagues and continents. For that, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year

11. Luis Figo (266 Assists)

Figo was a playmaking genius whose pinpoint crosses and clever passes unlocked defenses across Europe. Elegant and consistent, he embodied creativity for both club and country. He won the 2000 Ballon d’Or, the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year, and the 2000 European Footballer of the Year. Figo was also Portuguese Footballer of the Year (5 times) and La Liga Foreign Player of the Year (3 times).

10. Ryan Giggs (276 Assists)

The creative heartbeat of Manchester United, Giggs defined an era with silky dribbles and accurate crosses. He became the first player to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards, later adding the PFA Player of the Year title.

9. Angel Di Maria (291 Assists)

A big-moment player with a stellar career, Di María starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and PSG. A creator of moments rather than just chances, he’s been the silent architect behind countless goals for both club and country.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (303 Assists)

One of the greatest goal scorers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, also ranks among the top assist makers. Consistent across every club and for Portugal, he has won 5 Ballon d’Ors, multiple Golden Balls, FIFA Goalscorer of the Year, and many other prestigious honors.

7. Kevin De Bruyne (316 Assists)

Arguably the best modern midfielder, De Bruyne’s vision is like a third eye, spotting gaps no one else sees. His passes—curves, curls, or long balls—are immaculate. He has led Manchester City to dominance, winning PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2), Premier League Player of the Season (2), Premier League Playmaker of the Season (3), and UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season.

6. Luis Suarez (316 Assists)

One of the most prolific strikers of his generation, Suárez also excelled as a playmaker. Dominating with Barcelona, Liverpool, and Uruguay, he combined goals with creativity. His accolades include 2 European Golden Shoes, the Premier League Golden Boot, Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, and Copa América Player of the Tournament.

5. Thomas Müller (326 Assists)

Known as the Raumdeuter (space interpreter), Müller has been Bayern Munich’s and Germany’s tactical backbone. He won the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, Best Young Player Award, and World Soccer Young Player of the Year (2010). He set the Bundesliga record for most assists in a season (21) and became the first player to achieve that mark.

4. Johan Cruyff (358 Assists)

An icon of football, Johan Cruyff orchestrated attacks with precision and vision. He won 3 Ballon d’Ors (1971, 1973, 1974), the 1974 World Cup Golden Ball, and the 1979 NASL MVP. He was voted European Player of the Century (1999) and named to the FIFA 100 list (2004).

3. Pele (369 Assists)

One of the greatest players of all time, Pelé, was creative and influential on the pitch for Brazil. He helped Brazil win a record 3 World Cups and provided many assists.

Although official data for many of his matches is not available, old records show he has approximately 370 assists in his career.

2. Lionel Messi (398 Assists)

Often hailed as the best playmaker ever, Lionel Messi’s vision and creativity remain unmatched. The key figure for Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, he’s close to becoming the top assist maker of all time. His honors include 8 Ballon d’Ors, FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, Pichichi Trophy, and multiple Golden Ball Awards.

1. Ferenc Puskas (404 Assists)

The legendary Hungarian forward combined lethal scoring with supreme creativity at Real Madrid and for Hungary. His influence is immortalized through the Puskás Award, given annually for the best goal. With over 400 career assists, Puskás stands as football’s greatest assist maker—an artist who shaped attacks and history alike.

Conclusion

Assists may not always grab the headlines, but they are the lifeblood of football, the spark that turns teamwork into unforgettable moments. From Messi’s magical vision to Özil’s flawless timing, from Giggs’ consistency to Puskás’ genius, these 15 players have redefined creativity on the pitch. They remind us that football is not just about scoring goals, but about making others shine, inspiring teammates, and leaving a legacy of artistry that transcends generations.

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