While goals are often the highlight of any match, assists have a big role in creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
Assists are a testament to a player’s vision, creativity, and ability to set up their teammates for success.
Below we look at the players who have made the most assists in soccer history, their remarkable achievements, and the impact they have had on the game.
The Art of Assisting
Assisting in soccer involves providing a pass or setting up a teammate in a way that leads directly to a goal.
It requires exceptional technical skills, spatial awareness, and an understanding of the game.
Assists can come in various forms, such as through passes, crosses, or even clever flicks.
The ability to consistently create scoring opportunities for others is what sets apart the best playmakers in the world.
Lionel Messi: The Assist King
When discussing the most assists in soccer history, it is impossible to ignore the incredible achievements of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine maestro has not only been a prolific goal scorer but also a masterful provider.
Messi has consistently showcased his vision and passing ability throughout his career, setting up countless goals for his teammates.
Messi holds the record for the most assists in a single season of Europe’s top five leagues.
During the 2019-2020 season with Barcelona, he provided an astonishing 21 assists in La Liga alone.
This record-breaking feat highlights his exceptional playmaking skills and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
Over the course of his career, Messi has accumulated a remarkable number of assists. He has recorded over 300 assists for Barcelona in official competitions.
These assists have come in various competitions, including domestic leagues, domestic cups, and international tournaments.
Thierry Henry: The Arsenal Legend
Thierry Henry, the French forward who made his mark at Arsenal, is another player who deserves recognition for his assist-making abilities.
While Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in soccer history, he was also a fantastic provider for his teammates.
During his time at Arsenal, Henry formed a formidable partnership with fellow playmaker Dennis Bergkamp.
Their understanding of each other’s movements and abilities resulted in numerous goals for the team.
Henry’s ability to pick out the perfect pass or deliver a precise cross made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Throughout his career, Henry recorded a significant number of assists.
In the Premier League alone, he provided 74 assists during his time at Arsenal.
His contributions to the team’s success cannot be understated, as he played a vital role in helping Arsenal win multiple league titles and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Andrés Iniesta: The Spanish Magician
Andrés Iniesta, the Spanish midfield maestro, is renowned for his technical brilliance and ability to control the game.
While he may not have scored as many goals as some of his counterparts, his vision and passing ability were second to none.
Iniesta’s most memorable assist came during the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
In the dying minutes of the match, he played a perfectly weighted pass to his teammate, Cesc Fàbregas, who then set up the winning goal for Spain.
This assist not only secured Spain’s first-ever World Cup victory but also showcased Iniesta’s ability to perform under immense pressure.
Throughout his career, Iniesta consistently provided assists for both club and country.
During his time at Barcelona, he recorded over 150 assists in official competitions.
His ability to find pockets of space and deliver precise passes made him a vital cog in Barcelona’s success during their dominant era under manager Pep Guardiola.
Other Notable Assist Makers
While Messi, Henry, and Iniesta are undoubtedly among the greatest assist makers in soccer history, there are several other players who have left their mark on the game through their creative playmaking abilities.
Here are a few notable names:
- Xavi Hernandez: The Spanish midfielder, who was a key figure in Barcelona’s success alongside Iniesta, recorded over 200 assists during his career.
- Cesc Fàbregas: Known for his vision and passing range, Fàbregas has provided over 100 assists in the Premier League alone.
- Kevin De Bruyne: The Belgian midfielder has established himself as one of the best playmakers in the modern game, consistently delivering assists for Manchester City.
- David Beckham: Renowned for his crossing ability and ability on free kicks, Beckham recorded numerous assists throughout his career, including his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
FAQs – Who Has the Most Assists in Soccer History?
1. Who has the most assists in soccer history?
Lionel Messi currently holds the record for the most assists in soccer history.
He has consistently showcased his playmaking abilities throughout his career, setting up countless goals for his teammates.
2. How many assists does Lionel Messi have?
Lionel Messi has recorded over 300 assists for Barcelona in official competitions.
3. Who is the all-time assist leader in the Premier League?
The all-time assist leader in the Premier League is Ryan Giggs, who provided 162 assists during his career with Manchester United.
4. Who has the most assists in a single season of Europe’s top five leagues?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most assists in a single season of Europe’s top five leagues.
During the 2019-2020 season with Barcelona, he provided 21 assists in La Liga alone.
5. Who has the most assists in international soccer?
Cesc Fàbregas holds the record for the most assists in international soccer.
He provided 39 assists for the Spanish national team during his career.
6. Who has the most assists in the UEFA Champions League?
Lionel Messi currently holds the record for the most assists in the UEFA Champions League.
He has provided over 40 assists in the competition.
7. Who has the most assists in World Cup history?
Pele, the Brazilian legend, holds the record for the most assists in World Cup history.
He provided 10 assists during his appearances in the tournament.
8. Who has the most assists in a single World Cup?
Just Fontaine, a French striker, holds the record for the most assists in a single World Cup.
He provided 6 assists during the 1958 World Cup.
9. Who has the most assists in a single season of the Premier League?
The record for the most assists in a single season of the Premier League is held by Thierry Henry.
During the 2002-2003 season, he provided 20 assists for Arsenal.
10. Who has the most assists in a single season of La Liga?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most assists in a single season of La Liga.
During the 2019-2020 season, he provided 21 assists for Barcelona.
11. Who has the most assists in a single season of Serie A?
Luigi De Agostini holds the record for the most assists in a single season of Serie A.
During the 1984-1985 season, he provided 17 assists for Juventus.
12. Who has the most assists in a single season of the Bundesliga?
Kevin De Bruyne holds the record for the most assists in a single season of the Bundesliga.
During the 2014-2015 season, he provided 21 assists for Wolfsburg.
13. Who has the most assists in a single season of Ligue 1?
Angel Di Maria holds the record for the most assists in a single season of Ligue 1.
During the 2015-2016 season, he provided 18 assists for Paris Saint-Germain.
14. Who has the most assists in a single season of the Eredivisie?
Dušan Tadić holds the record for the most assists in a single season of the Eredivisie.
During the 2018-2019 season, he provided 28 assists for Ajax.
15. Who has the most assists in a single season of the Primeira Liga?
Carlos Xavier holds the record for the most assists in a single season of the Primeira Liga.
During the 1989-1990 season, he provided 20 assists for Sporting CP.
Summary
Assists are an integral part of soccer, showcasing a player’s ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Lionel Messi, with his exceptional playmaking skills, holds the record for the most assists in a single season of Europe’s top five leagues.
Thierry Henry, known for his goal-scoring prowess, was also a fantastic provider during his time at Arsenal.
Andrés Iniesta, with his technical brilliance, consistently delivered assists for Barcelona and Spain.
While these players have made significant contributions to the art of assisting, there are several other notable names who have left their mark on the game.
