The Most Assists in Football History: Top Playmakers from 2010 to 2024
Explore the most assists in football history with our detailed breakdown of top playmakers from 2010 to 2024. From Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne to Maxime Lestienne, explore the top assist leaders each year and see how assists shape football’s greatest moments.
Introduction To Most Assists in Football History
Creating opportunities is a crucial aspect of football, and the players on this list are among the best playmakers in the sport’s history. We’ve identified the top assist providers each year from 2010 onwards, focusing exclusively on club-level assists. These players have excelled in their roles, setting benchmarks in the quest for the most assists in football history.
Most Assists in Football History
2010 – Moubarak Boussoufa (25 Assists)
In 2010, Moubarak Boussoufa emerged as the top assister, narrowly edging out Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil. Playing for Anderlecht, Boussoufa averaged an assist every 142 minutes, demonstrating remarkable playmaking skills. His contributions that year set him apart in the most assists in football history for 2010.
2011 – Lionel Messi (30 Assists)
Lionel Messi’s performance in 2011 was exceptional, with 30 assists and 55 goals as Barcelona clinched the Champions League. This prolific output solidified Messi’s position in the history of the most assists in football history.
2012 – Eden Hazard & Franck Ribery (28 Assists)
The 2012 top-assister title is shared between Eden Hazard and Franck Ribery. Hazard made a significant impact with Lille before moving to Chelsea. Ribery averaged 0.61 assists per game with Bayern Munich, showcasing his creativity as one of the top playmakers in football history.
2013 – Mesut Ozil & Valentin Stocker (25 Assists)
In 2013, Mesut Ozil, celebrated for his playmaking abilities, led the assists chart with 25 assists while playing for Real Madrid and Arsenal. His performance that year solidified his reputation as one of the best playmakers in football. Valentin Stocker matched this tally with his impressive performance for FC Basel. His contribution underscores his role in the most assists in football history.
2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo & Kevin Kampl (27 Assists)
Cristiano Ronaldo typically celebrated for his goal-scoring, also excelled in playmaking with 27 assists in 2014. Kevin Kampl matched this number while playing for Red Bull Salzburg, highlighting both players’ contributions to the most assists in football history.
2015 – Kevin De Bruyne (28 Assists)
Kevin De Bruyne led the 2015 assists chart with 28, outperforming even Lionel Messi that year. De Bruyne’s standout performances with Wolfsburg and Manchester City made him a prominent figure in the most assists in football history.
2016 – Lionel Messi & Neymar (28 Assists)
In 2016, Lionel Messi and Neymar shared the top spot with 28 assists each, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s offensive play. Their collaboration, alongside Luis Suarez’s 25 assists, effectively demonstrated the trio’s dominance in the record for the most assists in football history.
2017 – Neymar & Hulk (27 Assists)
Neymar and Hulk both recorded 27 assists in 2017. Neymar’s move to PSG marked a new chapter in his career, while Hulk’s dominance in the Chinese Super League was notable, reinforcing their place in the most assists in football history.
2018 – Zakaria Beglarishvili (28 Assists)
Zakaria Beglarishvili took the 2018 top assister crown with 28 assists, narrowly surpassing Messi, Suarez, and Dimitri Payet. Playing for FC Flora, the Georgian midfielder’s performance was remarkable, contributing to the most assists in football history.
2019 – Hakim Ziyech (34 Assists)
Hakim Ziyech led the 2019 assists tally with an impressive 34 assists, showcasing his role as Ajax’s creative hub. Dusan Tadic also had a notable year with 31 assists, highlighting the team’s prowess in the most assists in football history.
2020 – Lionel Messi (26 Assists)
In his final full year at Barcelona, Lionel Messi recorded 26 assists, continuing his legacy as a top playmaker. His contributions to the most assists in football history remain unmatched, reflecting his consistent excellence over the years.
2021 – Thomas Muller (32 Assists)
Thomas Muller emerged as the top assister in 2021 with 32 assists, averaging one every 125 minutes. This performance marked a significant achievement in Muller’s career and added to his standing in the most assists in football history.
2022 – Maxime Lestienne (28 Assists)
Maxime Lestienne, who moved to the Singapore Premier League in 2022, secured the top assister spot with 28 assists, narrowly edging out Kevin De Bruyne. Lestienne’s performance added a new chapter to the most assists in football history.
2023 – Maxime Lestienne (32 Assists)
Maxime Lestienne repeated his success in 2023, recording 32 assists and securing the top spot for two consecutive years. His consistency in playmaking continues to reinforce his position in the most assists in football history.
2024 – Oscar & Denis Bouanga (18 Assists So Far)
As of now, former Chelsea star Oscar and LAFC winger Denis Bouanga lead the assists chart for 2024 with 18 each. Oscar’s enduring career in the Chinese Super League and Bouanga’s impressive performances highlight their roles in the ongoing narrative of the most assists in football history.
Conclusion
The quest for the most assists in football history is a testament to the skill and creativity of some of the game’s greatest playmakers. From Moubarak Boussoufa’s standout performance in 2010 to Maxime Lestienne’s impressive back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023, each year has seen exceptional talent at the forefront of creating opportunities and driving their teams forward.
Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne, among others, have consistently dominated the assists charts, illustrating their unparalleled vision and playmaking abilities. The evolution of football over the years has seen players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Thomas Muller make significant contributions, proving that playmaking is as crucial as goal-scoring in defining football greatness.
As we look at the top assisters from each year, it’s clear that the ability to create chances is a defining characteristic of the best players in football history. These players’ contributions have shaped the outcomes of their respective seasons and added to the rich tapestry of the most assists in football history. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of footballers to excel in playmaking.
FAQs: Most Assists in Football History
What does “most assists in football history” mean?
The term refers to players who have recorded the highest number of assists in a given year or over their careers. Assists are crucial in football as they lead directly to goals, showcasing players’ ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
How is an assist defined in football?
An assist is credited to a player who provides the final pass or play that leads directly to a goal. This can be a cross, a pass, or any other action that directly results in a goal being scored.
Who holds the record for the most assists in a single year?
As of the latest update, Maxime Lestienne holds the record for the most assists in a single year, with 34 assists in 2019. His exceptional playmaking ability was highlighted by his performance throughout the season.
Which players are consistently among the top assisters in football history?
Players like Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thomas Muller have consistently been among the top assisters in football history. Their vision, precision, and creativity make them stand out in the record books.
How do assists contribute to a player’s overall career achievements?
Assists are a key metric in evaluating a player’s contribution to their team. High assist numbers indicate a player’s ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and are often a significant factor in their overall career achievements and accolades.
Are assists tracked at both club and international levels?
In this article, only club-level assists are considered. While international assists are also important, the focus here is on assists made during club competitions.
How often is the record for the most assists updated?
Records for the most assists are updated annually based on the performances of players throughout the calendar year. New records may be set each season as players continue to excel in their roles.
Why is Lionel Messi mentioned frequently in the most assists in football history?
Lionel Messi is frequently mentioned due to his exceptional ability to both score and create goals. His playmaking skills have consistently placed him at the top of the assists charts, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes.
What makes a player a great assister in football?
Great assisters possess excellent vision, creativity, precision, and an understanding of their teammates’ movements. They can deliver accurate passes and create scoring opportunities in various situations, making them invaluable to their teams.
Can assists be as important as goals in football?
Yes, assists can be as crucial as goals because they directly contribute to a team’s success by creating opportunities to score. A player who excels in assists plays a vital role in the team’s overall performance and effectiveness.
