Assists are the silent art of football. While goals steal the spotlight, it’s often the creative brilliance behind the final pass that unlocks defenses and makes magic happen. Players with the most assists are celebrated for their ability to consistently elevate those around them, creating goal-scoring opportunities. Over time, football has evolved to value the playmaker just as much as the goal scorer—and the legends on this list have mastered both.
List of Top 10 Legendary Players with the Most Assists in Football History
10. Ángel Di María
Ángel Di María, one of the players with the most assists, has been a dynamic playmaker for every club he’s represented—be it Real Madrid, PSG, or his return to Benfica. Known for his tricky dribbles, vision, and deadly left foot, Di María played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, further solidifying his place among the game’s best assist providers.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ángel Di María | 752 | 259 | 118 |
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
Renowned as one of football’s greatest goal scorers, Cristiano Ronaldo is also an underrated creator and stands among the players with the most assists. Starting out as a flair-filled winger at Manchester United, he matured into a complete forward at Real Madrid. With 268 assists, Ronaldo has shown that he’s just as capable of setting up goals as scoring them.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 1,148 | 268 | 860 |
8. Ryan Giggs
A Manchester United icon, Ryan Giggs was the epitome of consistency among players with the most assists. His incredible longevity and creative instincts helped him rack up 277 assists. Giggs was a constant threat on the left flank, delivering inch-perfect crosses and clever passes for over two decades, solidifying his place among the best in football history.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Giggs | 802 | 277 | 168 |
7. Luís Figo
Luís Figo was elegance personified. Whether for Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Inter Milan, the Portuguese maestro was known for his dribbling and vision. As one of the players with the most assists, Figo recorded an impressive 283 assists, establishing himself as a constant creative outlet, orchestrating play from midfield and the wings throughout his illustrious career.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luís Figo | 799 | 283 | 153 |
6. Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez is remembered not only as a prolific striker but also as a selfless playmaker. At Liverpool and Barcelona, he formed deadly partnerships and consistently provided assists. His 293 assists showcase his dual threat as both scorer and creator.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Suárez | 714 | 293 | 457 |
5. Thomas Müller
A unique talent known as a “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), Thomas Müller thrives on intelligent movement and smart link-up play. As one of the players with the most assists in football, Müller has consistently delivered for Bayern Munich and Germany. His 302 assists reflect his exceptional football IQ and tactical awareness, making him a standout in the game.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Müller | 698 | 302 | 223 |
4. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was a footballing revolutionary, and his assist tally only adds to his legendary status. As the driving force behind Total Football, Cruyff’s 358 assists were a result of his vision, intelligence, and unselfishness.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johan Cruyff | 698 | 358 | 327 |
3. Pelé
Pelé wasn’t just about goals—his creativity and intelligence made him a complete footballer. As one of the players with the most assists, he recorded 369 assists and 757 goals, playing an integral role in Brazil’s three World Cup wins. Pelé’s all-around abilities solidify his status as one of the most balanced attackers in football history.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelé | 819 | 369 | 757 |
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi redefined what it means to be a playmaker. With his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and precision, Messi has created more goals than any modern player. His 377 assists and 820 goals speak volumes about his greatness and versatility.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 1,031 | 377 | 820 |
1. Ferenc Puskás
Sitting at the top of the list is Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás. A prolific scorer with a sharp creative edge, Puskás tallied 404 assists and 708 goals in just 719 matches. His legacy at Real Madrid and with Hungary remains unmatched.
| Player Name | Total Matches | Total Assists | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferenc Puskás | 719 | 404 | 708 |
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