In the intricate tapestry of football, strikers often bask in the limelight, claiming the lion’s share of glory. While it’s fair to acknowledge that scoring goals is their primary duty, one can’t help but wonder if they’ve paused to consider the challenges they’d face without those orchestrating the plays.
Consider Lionel Messi, a football luminary whose brilliance is accentuated by the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, or Dani Alves. While Messi would likely still reign atop the goalscoring charts, the thought persists that his margin of lead might not be as substantial. The undeniable truth remains—those finding the net owe their success to someone supplying that killer pass or executing an ingenious play. The lingering question echoes: who holds the record for the most assists in football history?
The Top 5 Most assists in football history: Ranked
Here are the list of top 5 most assists in football history
5. Cristiano Ronaldo – 273 assists
In the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo is often perceived by today’s youth as a goal-focused striker, spending the majority of his time within the penalty box. While this description holds some truth in recent seasons, it overlooks Ronaldo’s earlier career as a winger, where he not only scored but also provided assists for his teammates.
A pivotal shift occurred in 2014 when a serious knee injury prompted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to adapt his game. Transitioning to a center-forward role, Ronaldo continued to score prolifically, albeit with a decline in his assist numbers. The fact that he boasts 273 assists alongside his remarkable 834 goals is undeniably impressive. Ronaldo’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess solidify his status as a true legend of the game, second only to Lionel Messi in the all-time debates.
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4. Angel di Maria – 279 assists
Angel Di Maria’s football journey has taken him across Europe, leaving his mark at renowned clubs like Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG. Few players in football history boast such an extensive collection of jerseys. The distinct advantage of such a diverse career lies in the opportunity to share the field with numerous football greats.
Di Maria’s notable teammates include Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappe, and Karim Benzema. It’s worth mentioning that being Argentinian has also afforded him the privilege of playing alongside Lionel Messi for well over a decade.
3. Luis Suarez – 292 assists
Luis Suarez has been no stranger to controversy throughout his career, marked by biting incidents, deliberate handballs, and accusations of racism. Despite the controversies, he has crafted a highly successful career at the pinnacle of football.
Regarded as one of the best center-forwards in history, Suarez played a pivotal role in the famous MSN forward line at Barcelona, alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar. This formidable trio wreaked havoc on defenses across Spain and Europe during the mid-2010s, with Suarez serving as the focal point of their attacking prowess.
His partnership with Messi and Neymar meant Suarez often found himself not just scoring goals but also playing a creative role, adept at dropping deeper to collect the ball from the midfield. This versatility showcased his dynamic skill set and football intelligence. Beyond Barcelona, Suarez has left his mark at Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, forming fruitful partnerships with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Diego Costa.
2. Thomas Muller – 298 assists
Thomas Muller stands as a remarkably underrated forward in the realm of football. Despite often being overshadowed by his modest goal tally across various competitions, the German forward has crafted an exceptionally successful career, reaching its pinnacle with Germany’s triumph in 2014.
At first glance, Muller may not boast breathtaking qualities like speed, skill, or expert finishing. However, his arsenal includes a tremendous work ethic and a keen eye for a pass. Muller’s true strength lies in being the epitome of a football brain, a quality that has earned him praise from every manager he’s played under.
Securing the second spot on the all-time assists list is a feat that deserves significant recognition. Muller’s trajectory suggests he is poised to surpass the 300-assist mark in the upcoming seasons—a testament to his enduring impact on the field.
1. Lionel Messi – 398 assists
Amidst the rollercoaster of Barcelona’s journey, one constant has remained unwavering – Lionel Messi. The world has marveled at the magic of his left foot, a wand that has captivated fans of all ages. Messi’s versatility shines as he effortlessly dribbles through defenses, delivers subtle passes, lofts delicate through balls, heads towards fellow forwards, or whips crosses into the box. His ability to create chances knows no bounds.
The iconic MSN link-up with Suarez and Neymar lingers vividly, with Messi’s mesmerizing movements in and around the box, culminating in unstoppable strikes or perfectly served opportunities for his beloved Barcelona teammates. Messi’s influence has been pivotal in Barcelona’s modern football successes, and even in his current chapter in Paris alongside Kylian Mbappe, his brilliance continues to illuminate the pitch.
Surpassing second place in assists by over 100 is nothing short of extraordinary. When you consider his staggering 803 goals, there’s unequivocally no doubt about Lionel Messi’s status as football’s greatest of all time.
