Thanks to their exquisite technique and precise judgment on the field, many players have provided numerous assists to their teammates, significantly contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. These players have become symbols of creativity, possessing the ability to alter the outcome of a match with their exceptional passing skills. So, who is the player with the most assists in the world? Let's explore the Top 10 best passers in soccer in history from past to present with Wintips. Some of the names might surprise you.
The best passers in soccer ever - Top 10
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian attacking midfielder who currently plays for the Premier League club Manchester City. According to the latest statistics, Kevin De Bruyne has a total of 231 assists. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has provided a total of 163 assists across all competitions, including 102 in the Premier League, 37 in the Champions League, and 24 in other competitions.
De Bruyne has received numerous individual accolades, including the Premier League Playmaker of the Season in 2017, UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season in 2019, and PFA Player of the Year in 2020. The Belgian and Manchester City star completed 93 successful passes in a single match. Kevin De Bruyne is among the few players, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry, to have won multiple PFA Player of the Year awards.
2. Xavi Hernandez - One of the best passers in soccer
Xavi Hernandez is a former Spanish footballer who is currently the head coach of Barcelona. He was a central midfielder renowned for his accurate passing, tactical vision, and exceptional playmaking skills.
Xavi was one of the world's top playmaking midfielders in the decade from 2005 to 2015. During his career, Xavi had a total of 235 assists, of which 120 were in La Liga, 50 were in the Champions League, and 30 were in international competitions.
3. Franck Ribery
Franck Ribery is a former French footballer who currently works as a technical advisor for the Italian club Salernitana. He is a right winger and is known for his dribbling, speed, and playmaking ability. During his career, Ribery had 246 assists, including 100 in Ligue 1, 75 in the Bundesliga, and 45 in the Champions League.
Ribery was one of the world's top playmakers in the 2000s and 2010s. He won numerous individual awards, including Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2006, Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2013, and the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2013.
4. Cesc Fabregas - Best passers in soccer
Ranked 4th among the players with the most assists in football history is Cesc Fabregas, a Spanish attacking midfielder who previously played for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. During his career, Fabregas provided a total of 248 assists in La Liga, the Premier League, and Ligue 1, as well as for the Spanish national team.
Fàbregas has won numerous prestigious awards, including La Liga Player of the Year in 2009, Premier League Player of the Year in 2015, and the FIFA Ballon d'Or nomination in 2014.
5. Mesut Ozil - Among the best passers in soccer
Mesut Özil was a German attacking midfielder who last played for Turkish club Fenerbahçe before retiring in 2023. He was known for his precise passing, tactical vision, and ability to create chances for teammates. Recently, Özil announced his retirement from professional football, expressing his disappointment over persistent injuries.
During his career, Özil provided a total of 253 assists. This makes him one of the players with the most assists in football history. In addition, Özil won several individual awards, including Bundesliga's top assist provider in 2011, Premier League Playmaker of the Season in 2016, and he was also the top assist provider at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
6. Thomas Muller
Thomas Müller is a German professional footballer who currently plays for Bayern Munich and the German national team as an attacking midfielder or second striker. Müller is also among the top 10 players with the most assists in the world, with a total of 260 assists.
As a result, Müller became the player with the most assists in Bundesliga history. He is a very creative player and can provide assists to his teammates. He is a key player for Bayern Munich and the German national team and will continue to be a crucial figure for years to come.
7. Angel Di Maria
Ángel Di María is known for his excellent goal-scoring and playmaking skills. So far, Di María has recorded 258 assists in his career. He is the third-highest assist provider in Ligue 1 history, behind Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. Now, the "Angel" has returned to his boyhood club, Benfica, to spend the final years of his career.
Di María enjoyed successful spells at the clubs he played for. He quickly became one of his team's most important players, helping them win multiple major titles. The former PSG star can play in a variety of positions, including winger, attacking midfielder, and center forward. Di María is also a technically gifted player with great tactical vision and precise passing.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo - One of the best passers in soccer
Coming in at number 8 on the list of players with the most assists in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, with an outstanding record not only in terms of scoring goals but also in providing assists.
Ronaldo has a total of 270 assists in his career, both at club and international levels. Specifically, he has recorded 188 assists for Real Madrid, 40 for Juventus, and 22 for Manchester United. In terms of achievements, CR7 has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or five times, the European Golden Boot four times, and the UEFA Champions League five times.
9. Lionel Messi - One of the best passers in soccer
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest playmaker in the world, with 358 assists across his career, both for the Argentina national team and for clubs such as Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami. Messi's ability to create opportunities and set up goals for his teammates is unmatched, which showcases his creativity and precision on the field.
He has a remarkable knack for exploiting gaps in the opposition’s defense and delivering precise passes, creating goal-scoring chances for his teammates. Currently, Messi, widely regarded as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T), is playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, signifying the final chapters of his illustrious career. In addition to being the world’s leading playmaker, Messi is also renowned for his goal-scoring prowess.
10. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is indeed one of the most accurate passers in football history. Throughout his career, he has primarily played as a central midfielder but has also taken on the role of a deep-lying playmaker. Known for his vision, passing ability, creativity, and crossing, Kroos is a versatile midfielder who excels in controlling the tempo and orchestrating attacks.
Having been selected in the squad for UEFA Euro 2020, Kroos showcased his prowess on the field with his exceptional passing accuracy. In the previous season, he recorded an impressive 90 successful passes per game, highlighting his importance in controlling the midfield and facilitating build-up play for his team. With his remarkable technical skills and football intelligence, Kroos continues to be a vital asset for both his club and his national team.
Conclusion
The world's best playmakers possess impressive accuracy and precision in their passes. To become the king of assists in football, they must know how to move the ball swiftly among teammates and place it in advantageous positions for shots on goal. These best passers in soccer are always sought after by top clubs, and huge sums of money are often spent to recruit them. You can find more information on our sports bookmaker website homepage.
See also: Unfortunately: 8 football players who died on field while playing
