Setting up teammates for goals is a skill that often gets less attention than the actual scoring. However, the best Playmakers of all time have been responsible for turning hundreds of chances into unforgettable goals. 

Let us see seven Performers who mastered the art of assisting.

1)Ferenc Puskas Takes the Crown

Hungarian legend Ferenc was the first Performer in the world to have 404 assists in his entire career of perhaps the most skilled football attackers in history, who scored with astonishing accuracy over 800 times in fact. His left foot was magical and his ability to spot teammates in better positions made him a complete forward. 

Playing through the years with clubs like Real Madrid and for the Hungarian national team in the 1950s through 1970s, he added a new dimension to the game by creating goals as much as finishing them.​

2)Lionel Messi Chases History

Messi with 398 assists scored during his club and national team matches takes second place in the all-time rankings. The Argentine has recently become the highest assist provider in international matches with 60, thus exceeding both Neymar and Landon Donovan’s records.

Here’s what makes his numbers special:​

• 192 assists in La Liga alone
• 18 assists in Copa América history
• 40 assists in the UEFA tournament for clubs
• Still adding to his total at Inter Miami

Messi’s time at Barcelona saw him link up with Performers like Xavi, Iniesta, Neymar, and Suarez to create some of the most exciting attacking moves ever seen. His balance, timing, and vision turn half-chances into clear opportunities.​

3)Pele’s Creative Genius

The Brazilian idol marked a total of 369 assists throughout his magnificent career. Nicknamed the “King,” Pele was a ruler of the football scene during the 1950s to the 1970s with his teams Santos, New York Cosmos, and, of course, Brazil. 

 

His skillful connections with fellow Performers such as Garrincha and Tostao were instrumental in Brazil winning three World Cups. Pele was a true innovator, often retracing his steps back to the defense in order to create an attack and thus giving birth to what we now know as the “false nine” role even before it was baptized as such.

4)Johan Cruyff’s Total Approach

The Dutch genius was a record of 358 assists and was also a factor in changing the perception of football. Cruyff, who received the Ballon d’Or three times, Performed for Ajax for nine years before moving to Barcelona in 1973 for a record transfer fee. 

 

He was directly involved in 33 goals and provided 28 assists in just 48 games for the national team. Cruyff’s game was such that he showed that with clever movement and quick brains, any defense could be undone.

5)Thomas Muller Keeps Going

At 305 assists and counting, Muller earns his spot ahead of bigger names. The German forward created most of his chances at Bayern Munich before moving to MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps. 

Even at 36 years old, he’s still producing – six goals and three assists in his first six MLS matches proved he’s not done yet. Bayern fans know him as the club’s all-time leader with 217 assists in his career there.​

6)Kevin De Bruyne’s Modern Masterclass

The Belgian midfielder has become one of the era’s premier creators. While league-specific data shows 150 assists in major European leagues but 300+ in all time , his overall club career total assist includes 251 assists across all matches. At Manchester City, De Bruyne has:​

• Tied the record for most assists in a single Premier League season
• Won multiple Performer awards
• Created 31 assists in the UEFA club tournament

His passing range and ability to find forwards in dangerous spots makes him one of the deadliest Performmakers around.​

7) Cristiano Ronaldo (GOAT) Leads Where It Matters

While Cristiano’s career total sits at 258 assists , his dominance in the UEFA competition for clubs stands above everyone – including Messi. The Portuguese star holds the record with 42 assists in that tournament, one more than Angel Di Maria’s 41 and two ahead of Messi’s 40. Here’s why his numbers there matter:​

• 140 goals plus 42 assists equals 182 total goal actions
• Most assists in the tournament’s history
• Performed across three different clubs
• 183 matches in the competition

Ronaldo started his career more as a creator than scorer – he didn’t score in his first 26 matches but already had six assists by then. As he developed into a goal machine, he still kept setting up teammates when they had better chances.​

The Assist Kings Live On

These seven Performers are the best examples of a great attacker who is not only a scorer but also a spectacular team Performer. The ability to create chances was the factor that separated the great performers from the legends, starting from Puskas in the 1950s to the current stars like De Bruyne and Messi. 

 

The thrill generated by a perfect assist is as great as that of any goal even if you are watching on Kheloexch or following the highlights of the major tournaments.

 

All these Performmakers with their creativity and passing were able to shift the outcome of the games. The number of assists they have achieved tells the story of a thousand and one moments when they picked the perfect pass instead of opting for the selfish shot. That’s what makes them really remarkable.