Most Assists in Football History – Top 5

In the world of football, it’s evident that strikers often bask in the limelight and claim the majority of glory. To be fair to these goal-scoring maestros, their primary duty is to find the back of the net. Yet, have they ever paused to consider the immense challenges they would face without those teammates who supply them with the ball?

Imagine Lionel Messi without the presence of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, or Dani Alves. While he would still likely dominate the goalscoring charts season after season, his lead might not be as significant. Nonetheless, the fundamental truth remains: those who ultimately find the net rely heavily on someone who provides that killer pass or displays a stroke of genius. So, who holds the record for the most assists in the history of football?

#1 – Lionel Messi (390 assists)

Throughout Barcelona’s journey, encompassing the highs, lows, and challenges, one constant presence has remained: Lionel Messi. His magical left foot has captivated fans worldwide for countless years, leaving both young and old admirers fully aware of the exceptional talent possessed by the Argentine maestro.

Whether it involves mesmerizing dribbles through defenses, delivering precise and subtle passes, lofting delicate through balls over the top, providing headed assists to fellow forwards, or whipping crosses into the box, Messi’s repertoire of chance creation knows no bounds.

The unforgettable partnership of MSN, consisting of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar, lingers in the memories of fans. Messi’s remarkable ability to twist and turn in and around the penalty area, unleashing unstoppable strikes or gracefully setting up his beloved Barca teammates, will forever be cherished.

It is undeniable that the Catalan club would not have achieved their remarkable success in modern football without their superstar, who now finds joy in Paris alongside Kylian Mbappe.

To hold a lead of over 100 assists ahead of second place is truly mind-boggling.

When you take into account his staggering tally of 803 goals, there can be no doubt as to who truly deserves the title of football’s greatest of all time.

#2 Thomas Muller (296 assists)

Thomas Muller often finds himself as one of the most underappreciated forwards in the history of the game. Despite his modest goal-scoring record in various competitions, the German striker has enjoyed a remarkably successful career and emerged triumphant with Germany in 2014.

At first glance, Muller may not possess dazzling qualities like speed, exceptional skill, or expert finishing. However, what sets him apart is his exceptional work ethic and his ability to spot and execute a decisive pass.

He possesses the ultimate footballing intelligence, which is why every manager he has played under has showered him with praise.

Being second on the all-time assists list is an achievement that should not be underestimated, and it is highly likely that he will surpass the 300-assist mark in the upcoming seasons.

#3 Luis Suarez (285 Assists)

Throughout his career, Luis Suarez has been trailed by controversy, encompassing biting incidents, deliberate handballs, and accusations of racism. However, amidst these controversies, he has managed to carve out a highly successful career at the pinnacle of football.

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest center forwards in history, Suarez formed an integral part of the iconic attacking threat at Barcelona, including Lionel Messi and the brilliant Brazilian Neymar.

The trio wreaked havoc on defenses throughout Spain and Europe during the mid-2010s, with Suarez serving as the focal point of their attacking prowess.

Playing alongside Messi and Neymar meant that Suarez often assumed a deeper role, skillfully providing them with assists by dropping back to collect the ball from midfield.

In other chapters of his career, he showcased his abilities while representing Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, forging fruitful partnerships with esteemed players like Steven Gerrard and Diego Costa.

#4 Angel Di Maria (277 Assists)

Angel di Maria has traversed the landscape of European football throughout his career, making stops at Benfica, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and PSG.

In fact, it’s difficult to find another player in the annals of football history who has adorned such a wide array of prestigious jerseys.

One of the advantages of representing numerous illustrious clubs is the opportunity to share the pitch with exceptional teammates. Angel di Maria’s has provided goal-scoring opportunities for some formidable teammates.

It’s worth noting that as an Argentine, he has also formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi for a number of years.

#5 Ronaldo (268 Assists)

In the eyes of today’s youth, Cristiano Ronaldo is often perceived as a selfish, goal-focused poacher, predominantly stationed within the penalty box.

While there is some truth to this characterization based on his recent five seasons, it is crucial to remember that Ronaldo was once a winger who excelled at providing for his teammates while also contributing with goals himself.

A significant turning point occurred in 2014 when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner endured a serious knee injury that necessitated a complete transformation of his game. Consequently, Ronaldo transitioned into a center-forward role and, at least for a couple of years, continued to score at a similar rate to his previous seasons, albeit with a notable decline in his assist numbers.

When one takes a step back and reflects, it is truly astonishing to comprehend that Ronaldo has accumulated 268 assists alongside his impressive tally of 834 goals.

His overall contribution to the game is extraordinary, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats, with his name often second only to Lionel Messi in the debates surrounding football’s greatest players.