Top 10 Players With Most Assists In International Football

In the world of international football goals often steal the spotlight but let’s not forget the unsung heroes who create those scoring opportunities: the assist-makers. Today, we unveil the elite group of players who have mastered the art of setting up goals on the global stage. Assists may not always receive the recognition they deserve but they play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of matches.

In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll delve into the top 10 players with the most assists in International football. Thus, shedding light on their remarkable contributions to their respective national teams.

Players with the Most Assists in International Football-Ranked

Rank	Player	Country	Matches	Assists
1	Lionel Messi	Argentina	191	61
2	Neymar	Brazil	128	59
3	Landon Donovan	United States	157	59
4	Ferenc Puskas	Hungary	85	53
5	Sándor Péter Kocsis	Hungary	68	50
6	Kevin De Bruyne	Belgium	107	50
7	Pele	Brazil	92	47
8	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	216	45
9	David Beckham	England	115	42
10	Mesut Ozil	Germany	92	40

10. Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Mesut Ozil, the mercurial playmaker, etched his name among the elite with 92 appearances for the German national team, delivering a staggering 40 assists. Despite bidding farewell to international football in 2018, Ozil’s legacy as a master of assists endures. His time at Real Madrid and Arsenal showcased his unparalleled vision and passing ability, earning him acclaim worldwide. Yet, Ozil’s career hasn’t been without controversy.

Criticized for his fitness and discipline, he’s weathered storms while still leaving an indelible mark on the international stage. As his chapter on international football concludes, Ozil’s contributions remain a testament to his genius, leaving a lasting impact on the beautiful game.

Also Read: 10 Best German Players in Premier League History

9. David Beckham (England)

Former midfielder of the Three Lions, David Beckham has left an everlasting legacy with his thunderous and memorable performances for his nation. While the legendary midfielder may not have any silverware with England, he holds the record for the most assists for his nation with 42 assists to his name. Being regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, David Beckham has been a pivotal figure in all the clubs he has played for like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and PSG. He made a total of 115 appearances for the Three Lions, netting 17 goals, and provided crucial 42 assists throughout his illustrious career.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

In his illustrious career, Cristiano Ronaldo has not only shattered goal-scoring records but also ranks among the top three for international assists. With 216 appearances for Portugal, the legendary captain has provided 45 crucial assists. Despite leading Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, Ronaldo’s quest for a World Cup title remains unfulfilled. His recent endeavours in Qatar ended in disappointment, highlighting the elusive nature of football’s ultimate prize. Ronaldo is still going strong even at the age of 39, displaying his brilliance in attack.

7. Pele (Brazil)

With an illustrious career spanning 92 games for Brazil, Pele stands tall as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Renowned for his extraordinary talent, the legendary striker boasts an impressive tally of 47 assists, solidifying his status as a master of the game. Pele’s unmatched achievements include three World Cup winners’ medals, a feat unparalleled in football history. Hailed as a true icon of the sport, his remarkable contribution to the beautiful game cements his legacy as one of the best players ever to grace the pitch.

6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

With 85 appearances for Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne has stamped his authority as the most effective playmaker of his generation. The Manchester City maestro boasts an impressive assist-per-game ratio of 0.46, solidifying his reputation as a creator extraordinaire. De Bruyne’s exceptional passing ability has seen him climb the ranks for the most international assists, closing in on the top spots with a remarkable tally of 50 assists to his name. As he continues to dazzle on the field, De Bruyne’s influence on the global stage is undeniable, cementing his status as one of the premier midfield talents of the modern era.

5. Sándor Péter Kocsis (Hungary)

Sándor Péter Kocsis, a true maestro of the beautiful game, boasts one of the most remarkable games-to-assists ratios on this prestigious list. With a staggering 50 assists in just 68 appearances for the Hungarian national team, Kocsis’s impact on the field is nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond his international exploits, Kocsis left an indelible mark on the football world during his tenure with FC Barcelona from 1958 to 1965. His sublime skill and ability to create scoring opportunities set him apart as one of the game’s elite playmakers. As we reflect on his remarkable career, Sándor Péter Kocsis’s legacy as a visionary creator and revered footballing icon continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

4. Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)

Ferenc Puskas, a Hungarian icon of the beautiful game, stands as a testament to footballing excellence. With 85 appearances for his national team, Puskas showcased unparalleled brilliance, recording an astonishing 53 assists alongside his prolific goal-scoring record. Puskas’s impact transcends the field, with his legacy immortalized through the prestigious award named in his honour. The Ferenc Puskas Award recognizes the player who scores the most aesthetically beautiful goal each season, a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on the sport.

His international career epitomizes excellence, with 84 goals and 53 assists cementing his status as one of football’s all-time greats. Tied with an Argentine superstar widely regarded as the best of all time, Puskas’s legacy remains etched in the annals of footballing history, a testament to his unparalleled skill and lasting impact on the game.

3. Landon Donovan (United States)

Landon Donovan, an American soccer icon, may not dominate headlines like some of his counterparts, but his impact on the international stage is undeniable. With 157 appearances for the USMNT, Donovan showcased his playmaking prowess, tallying an impressive 58 assists. A versatile player who represented clubs like Everton and Leverkusen, Donovan’s contributions to the U.S. national team were instrumental. Alongside his remarkable assist tally, he also found the back of the net 57 times, further solidifying his status as a legend of American soccer.

Also Read: Footballers with Most Career Hat-tricks- RANKED

2. Neymar (Brazil)

With 128 games under his belt, Neymar has become the epitome of playmaking brilliance, boasting a staggering 59 assists in international football. Surpassing Pele’s record, he now holds the title for most international goals for Brazil, tallying an impressive 79 goals. Neymar’s charismatic presence and unmatched skill have solidified his status as a true legend for his country, leaving an indelible mark on the international stage. Currently, he is injured and has not played for the Brazil national team for more than a year.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

With 191 appearances for Argentina, Lionel Messi boasts 61 assists, showcasing his unparalleled playmaking skills. Surpassing Pele, he holds the record for most international goals in South America. In 2021, Messi secured his first major trophy with Argentina, triumphing in the Copa America finals against Brazil. The following year, he completed his trophy cabinet by clinching the World Cup against France in a historic final victory.

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