La Liga has long been a league defined by breathtaking skill, tactical brilliance, and some of the greatest playmakers in football history. While goal scorers often steal the headlines, the players who create those goals—through vision, technique, and precision—are just as vital to a team's success. This article of Win Tips will explore the top La Liga assists history and analyze their contributions.
Top La Liga assists
Here are the top La Liga assists based on historical statistics:
Lionel Messi – 193 Assists (Barcelona)
It is no surprise that Lionel Messi tops the all-time assist charts in La Liga with 193 assists. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi was not only an exceptional goal scorer but also an elite playmaker. Messi’s ability to create goals was unparalleled. His low center of gravity, quick turns, and exceptional dribbling skills allowed him to maneuver through tight spaces, drawing defenders before delivering a decisive pass. Whether it was a delicate chip over the defense, a pinpoint through ball, or an inch-perfect cross, Messi had every tool to assist his teammates.
Playing alongside world-class forwards such as Luis Suárez, Neymar, and Samuel Eto’o, Messi became the heart of Barcelona’s attack. He often dropped deep to pick up the ball, orchestrating play from midfield while still finishing chances himself.
Xavi Hernández – 117 Assists (Barcelona)
Xavi Hernández, the midfield maestro of Barcelona, ranks second on this list with 117 assists. His footballing intelligence, precision passing, and composure under pressure made him one of the best midfielders of all time. As the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team, Xavi dictated play with his vision and flawless passing. He was the master of the "tiki-taka" style, constantly recycling possession and unlocking defenses with perfectly timed through balls.
Unlike Messi, who could create assists from various attacking positions, Xavi operated deeper, controlling the tempo and launching attacks from midfield. His chemistry with Andrés Iniesta, Messi, and Sergio Busquets allowed Barcelona to dominate possession in nearly every match.
Karim Benzema – 105 Assists (Real Madrid)
Karim Benzema, the French striker who evolved into one of Real Madrid’s most complete forwards, takes third place with 105 assists. While primarily known for his goal-scoring abilities, Benzema’s playmaking skills were crucial to Madrid’s success. Benzema’s early years at Madrid saw him operate as a traditional striker, but his role changed after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. He became the focal point of Madrid’s attack, linking up with teammates and creating opportunities while still maintaining his scoring prowess.
His ability to drop deep and involve wingers like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo allowed Madrid to remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe. His vision and selflessness often led to crucial assists in tight matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 88 Assists (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest goal-scorers in football, also made his mark as a playmaker, contributing 88 assists during his time at Real Madrid. Although Ronaldo is often associated with his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates was equally impressive. He formed deadly partnerships with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Mesut Özil, providing crucial assists from both the left wing and central attacking areas.
Key moments
- 2014/15 season: Ronaldo recorded 16 assists, proving he was more than just a finisher.
- 2016/17 season: Despite transitioning into a more central striker role, he still contributed 11 assists as Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League.
Ronaldo’s blend of speed, power, and technical ability made him a devastating all-around attacker. His impact at Madrid is still felt today, even after leaving the club in 2018.
Koke – 88 Assists (Atlético Madrid)
Koke, the captain and midfield engine of Atlético Madrid, is tied with Ronaldo on 88 assists. While not as glamorous as some of the other names on this list, Koke has been instrumental in Atlético’s success under Diego Simeone.
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A product of Atlético’s youth academy, Koke developed into one of the most reliable midfielders in La Liga. His passing range, tactical intelligence, and work ethic allowed him to dictate play and provide crucial assists for Atlético’s strikers, including Diego Costa, Antoine Griezmann, and Luis Suárez.
Antoine Griezmann – 83 Assists (Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Sociedad)
Antoine Griezmann has enjoyed success at multiple La Liga clubs, recording 83 assists across Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad. Griezmann is known for his intelligence on the ball, ability to find space, and lethal passing in the final third. Whether playing as a second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, he has consistently contributed both goals and assists.
Key moments
- 2017/18 season: Griezmann recorded 10 assists while leading Atlético to a Europa League title.
- 2019/20 season: Despite struggling at Barcelona, he still managed 8 assists, showing his adaptability.
As he continues his career at Atlético, Griezmann remains a key creative force in La Liga.
Luis Suárez – 76 Assists (Barcelona, Atlético Madrid)
Luis Suárez, one of the deadliest strikers in La Liga history, also recorded 76 assists during his time at Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. While Suárez was known for his incredible finishing ability, his chemistry with Messi and Neymar at Barcelona saw him develop into a complete forward. His quick passing, hold-up play, and ability to provide decisive through balls made him a formidable playmaker as well.
Key moments
- 2015/16 season: Suárez recorded 16 assists while scoring 40 goals, winning the Pichichi Trophy.
- 2020/21 season: He played a crucial role in Atlético’s league title-winning campaign.
Suárez’s ability to combine goals and assists made him one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
In conclusion
These top La Liga assists have shaped La Liga history with their incredible creativity and vision. While goal scorers often dominate the headlines, the top assist providers prove that football is as much about creating as it is about finishing. Whether through Messi’s genius, Xavi’s precision, or Benzema’s adaptability, these players have set the standard for future playmakers in Spain’s top division.
Read more: All time top scorer EPL: Who holds the record for most goals?
