Who Has the Most Assists in Soccer History?

In the world of soccer, an assist is a vital part of the game. An assist occurs when a player helps set up a goal by passing the ball to a teammate who scores. This skill is crucial for creating goal-scoring opportunities and reflects a player’s vision, creativity, and teamwork. Throughout soccer history, many players have excelled in this aspect of the game. They are not just goal scorers but also great assist providers. This article explores who has the most assists in soccer history, highlighting the top players and their achievements.

Understanding the best players in terms of assists helps fans appreciate the art of playmaking. The focus on assists sheds light on the contributions of creative players who work behind the scenes. While scoring goals gets much of the attention, setting up those goals is equally important. Let’s dive into the top players who have made their mark in the world of assists.

What is an Assist in Soccer?

An assist in soccer is when a player makes a key pass that leads directly to a goal. This action highlights the player’s ability to read the game and provide support to teammates. Attacking players often excel in creating assists, as they need to be aware of their teammates’ positions and movements. The more assists a player has, the more they influence the game.

In terms of football statistics, assists are often used to measure a player’s impact on the field. A high assist count indicates a player’s skill in helping their team succeed. For example, a center attacking midfielder often has the highest assist numbers due to their positioning and role in the game.

The Top 20 Players With Most Assists in Soccer History

When it comes to the players with the most assists in soccer history, a few names stand out. These players have not only scored many goals but have also set up countless others. Let’s look at the top assist providers in soccer history and see their notable achievements.

Rank	Player Name	Nationality	Assists
1	Ferenc Puskás	Hungarian	404
2	Lionel Messi	Argentine	400
3	Pelé	Brazilian	369
4	Johan Cruyff	Dutch	358
5	Thomas Müller	German	303
6	Luis Suárez	Uruguayan	293
7	Luis Figo	Portuguese	283
8	Ryan Giggs	Welsh	277
9	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portuguese	268
10	Ángel Di María	Argentine	259
11	Mesut Özil	German	240
12	Dusan Tadic	Serbian	237
13	Cesc Fàbregas	Spanish	235
14	Neymar Jr.	Brazilian	230
15	Xavi Hernández	Spanish	227
16	Zlatan Ibrahimović	Swedish	226
17	David Silva	Spanish	225
18	Karim Benzema	French	223
19	Thierry Henry	French	220
20	Landon Donovan	American	219

Ferenc Puskás – 404

Ferenc Puskás is a legendary Hungarian player with an incredible total of 404 assists. He is known for his exceptional ability to read the game and his impressive goal-scoring record. His vision and creativity made him a formidable playmaker in his era.

Lionel Messi – 400

Lionel Messi has also recorded 400 assists throughout his career. His remarkable dribbling skills and precise passing have set him apart from others. Messi is often regarded as one of the greatest players in history due to his impact on the game and his record for the most assists in La Liga.

Pelé – 369

Pelé, the Brazilian football icon, is known for his ability to score and assist goals. With 369 assists, Pelé’s influence on the game is undeniable. His career spanned decades, making him a symbol of excellence in soccer.

Johan Cruyff – 358

Johan Cruyff transformed soccer with his innovative style of play. He recorded 358 assists and was instrumental in the development of the “Total Football” philosophy. His ability to create goal-scoring chances for teammates was a key part of his success.

Thomas Müller – 303

Thomas Müller is a German player known for his intelligence on the field. With 303 assists, he is one of the top playmakers in modern football. His position allows him to contribute significantly to both scoring and assisting.

Luis Suárez – 293

Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan star, is another top assist provider with 293 assists. His creativity and technical skills make him a valuable asset to any team. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to assist his teammates in key moments.

Luis Figo – 283

Luis Figo ranks highly with 283 assists and is known for his ability to deliver precise crosses. He played a vital role in his teams, particularly in La Liga, where he remains second in the assist chart.

Ryan Giggs – 277

Ryan Giggs, a Welsh footballer, is famous for his long career at Manchester United. With 277 assists, his playmaking abilities were crucial to the team’s success during his tenure. He is remembered for his skill and longevity in the sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 268

Cristiano Ronaldo is known primarily for his goal-scoring but has also provided 268 assists. He is the all-time leading goal scorer in soccer history, with over 890 goals. His ability to create opportunities for others adds depth to his playing style.

Ángel Di María – 259

Ángel Di María has contributed 259 assists in his career. Known for his pace and dribbling, Di María creates numerous opportunities for teammates. His international and club career has been marked by his assist-making ability.

Mesut Özil – 240

Mesut Özil is recognized for his playmaking skills, recording 240 assists. He has played for top clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Özil’s vision and passing accuracy set him apart as a top assist provider.

Dusan Tadic – 237

Dusan Tadic is a Serbian player known for his creative play. He has made a significant impact in his leagues and recorded 237 assists. Notably, he achieved 37 assists in a single season while playing for Ajax, setting a remarkable record.

Cesc Fàbregas – 235

Cesc Fàbregas ranks high with 235 assists. He is known for his passing and vision, playing crucial roles in both club and international teams. His ability to find teammates in scoring positions has been a hallmark of his career.

Neymar Jr. – 230

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian star, has provided 230 assists. His flair and creativity allow him to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Neymar is one of the most entertaining players to watch.

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Xavi Hernández – 227

Xavi Hernández, known for his passing ability, has achieved 227 assists. He was a key figure in FC Barcelona’s success, playing a pivotal role in their midfield. His vision and decision-making contributed significantly to the team’s achievements.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – 226

Zlatan Ibrahimović is famous for his scoring ability, but he also has 226 assists. His unique style of play and physical presence on the field make him a versatile attacker who can both score and assist.

David Silva – 225

David Silva, with 225 assists, is recognized for his creativity and vision in midfield. He played a vital role in Manchester City’s rise to success. Silva’s passing ability made him a fan favorite.

Karim Benzema – 223

Karim Benzema has also made significant contributions, recording 223 assists in his career. His all-around play as a forward has made him a crucial player for both his club and national team.

Thierry Henry – 220

Thierry Henry, a French football legend, has 220 assists. His pace and finishing made him a goal-scoring threat, but he was also an excellent playmaker. Henry’s creativity helped shape the game in his era.

Landon Donovan – 219

Landon Donovan, an American soccer player, holds the record for the most assists in international football history. His contributions to the U.S. national team were vital in their successes, making him a key figure in American soccer.

Most Premier League Assists

The Premier League is one of the most watched soccer leagues globally, and assists are a crucial metric for evaluating players. Ryan Giggs holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history, with an impressive tally of 162 assists. His ability to create opportunities helped Manchester United dominate the league for many years. Following closely are Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard, who also had exceptional careers as assist providers. Players in the Premier League understand that setting up a teammate for a goal is as vital as scoring one themselves.

In recent seasons, Kevin De Bruyne has emerged as one of the top assist providers in the Premier League, consistently creating goal-scoring chances for Manchester City. His vision and passing accuracy make him a formidable playmaker. The emphasis on assists in the Premier League showcases how vital teamwork is to achieving success in this highly competitive environment.

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Most Assists In A Season

The record for the most assists in a single season often sparks debates among fans and analysts. Players like Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne have set high standards with their incredible assist numbers. De Bruyne, for instance, achieved a remarkable 20 assists in the 2016-2017 Premier League season, demonstrating his ability to influence games dramatically. Other leagues, like La Liga and Serie A, also have their standout seasons where players have made significant contributions.

Tracking assists per season highlights how creative players can change the course of a match. When a player consistently reaches high assist counts, they become invaluable to their teams. This ongoing pursuit of breaking assist records adds excitement to each season and fuels competition among players.

Most Assists In World Cup History

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international soccer, and assists in this tournament can define legacies. Players like Diego Maradona have left their mark by providing key assists during crucial matches. Maradona holds the record for the most assists in World Cup history, with eight assists in total. His ability to create goal-scoring opportunities was instrumental in Argentina’s success in the tournament.

Analyzing World Cup assists gives insight into how teamwork shines on the biggest stage. Players recognized for their playmaking skills often become heroes in their countries. The pressure of performing in the World Cup heightens the significance of assists, making them memorable moments in soccer history.

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Most Assists In A Premier League Season

In the Premier League, the race for the most assists in a single season attracts considerable attention. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry have both achieved this feat, demonstrating their exceptional abilities to set up goals. De Bruyne, for instance, broke records by providing 20 assists in the 2016-2017 season, showcasing his importance to Manchester City. Similarly, Henry made headlines during his time at Arsenal, setting a high bar for future playmakers.

The competition among players to lead in assists each season adds an exciting layer to the Premier League. Fans eagerly watch as players aim to create as many goal-scoring opportunities as possible, making assists a vital aspect of the game.

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Most Assists In Champions League

The UEFA Champions League is a prestigious tournament where the best clubs compete. Assists in this tournament often come in high-stakes matches, showcasing players’ skills under pressure. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two players who have excelled in this arena, both providing numerous assists alongside their goal-scoring records.

Tracking assists in the Champions League highlights how players perform on the biggest stage in club soccer. A single assist can change the course of a match, leading teams to victory. The best assist providers often become legends in the competition, further enhancing their legacy.

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Most Assists In La Liga

La Liga is known for its attacking style of play, leading to high assist counts. Lionel Messi holds the record for the most assists in La Liga history, with over 300 assists. His vision and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for teammates set him apart from other players. Following him is Cristiano Ronaldo, who also made a significant impact during his time in Spain.

Analyzing assists in La Liga showcases the creativity and skill of its players. The focus on assists highlights the teamwork and collaboration required to succeed in such a competitive league. As the league continues to attract top talent, the race for assist records will only intensify.

Most Assists in MLS

Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown rapidly, attracting international talent. Carlos Valderrama set the record for the most assists in a single MLS season, with 26 assists. His playmaking ability helped elevate the league’s profile and showed how essential assists are in soccer.

In recent years, players like Lionel Messi have joined MLS, further increasing interest in assist statistics. As the league develops, understanding who the top assist providers are can offer insights into the growing talent pool. Players who excel in this area can significantly influence their teams’ success in the league.

Most Assists In International Soccer

In international soccer, players like Landon Donovan hold the record for the most assists. Donovan’s contributions to the United States national team have solidified his status as a soccer legend. His ability to set up teammates during crucial matches highlights the importance of assists on the international stage.

Assessing assists in international competitions emphasizes how teamwork leads to success. Players recognized for their assist-making skills become instrumental during tournaments, helping their countries achieve significant victories.

Conclusion

In summary, knowing who has the most assists in soccer history enriches our understanding of the game. It emphasizes the critical role of teamwork, creativity, and strategy. Players like Ferenc Puskás, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have shaped soccer through their incredible assist records. Recognizing these assist providers enhances our appreciation of soccer and highlights the artistry involved in creating goal-scoring opportunities. Assists not only define individual legacies but also illustrate the beautiful game’s collaborative nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the most assists in a single season?

The record for the most assists in a single season varies by league. In the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry have both set impressive records, with De Bruyne reaching 20 assists.

Who has the most assists in a Premier League Season?

Kevin De Bruyne holds the record for the most assists in a Premier League season, achieving this milestone in the 2016-2017 season.

Who has the most assists in a Champions League season?

The record for the most assists in a single Champions League season is held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who consistently provides key assists alongside his goal tally.

Who has the most assists at the international level?

Landon Donovan has the most assists in international soccer, contributing significantly to the success of the U.S. national team.

Who has the most assists in World Cup history?

Diego Maradona holds the record for the most assists in World Cup history, with eight assists that played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphs.

Who has the most assists in a single Major League Soccer Season?

Carlos Valderrama set the record for the most assists in a single MLS season with 26 assists, demonstrating his playmaking prowess.

How can I learn more about the game?

To learn more about soccer, consider watching games, reading books, and following reputable soccer analysts online. Engaging with the soccer community through discussions and training sessions can also enhance your understanding of the sport.