Goalscorers vs Playmakers: The Unsung Heroes of Soccer
Goalscorers often receive all the glory in soccer. They dominate the headlines, attract loud cheers from fans, and see their valuation soar with each goal scored. However, playmakers who create chances for others to score often go unnoticed, despite being equally vital in helping their team secure victories. In this section, we will shine a light on some of the best creators the game has witnessed. Here are the top five players with the most assists in the 21st century:
#5 David Beckham (England): 42 Assists
David Beckham Never Won Anything With England
David Beckham, known for his trademark bending crosses, provided 42 assists in 115 international matches for England. Despite also scoring 17 goals, Beckham never won a trophy with his national team. Throughout his career, England never advanced past the quarter-finals of major tournaments.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 45 Assists
Cristiano Ronaldo Won The EURO In 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo, famous for his goal-scoring prowess, has also notched up 45 assists in 214 games for Portugal. His recent milestone of 901 career goals further solidifies his status as one of the greatest players in history. Ronaldo was instrumental in Portugal’s victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
#3 Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): 49 Assists
Kevin de Bruyne’s Belgium Crashed Out Of EURO 2024 After Defeat Against France
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne stands out as one of the top playmakers of the 21st century, with 49 assists in 105 international appearances. His remarkable assist rate of 0.47 per game is unmatched on this list, showcasing his incredible creative abilities. Despite his contributions, De Bruyne is yet to win a major trophy with Belgium.
#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina): 58 Assists
Lionel Messi Won The World Cup In 2022
Lionel Messi, often touted as the greatest player in history, has set up 58 goals for Argentina in 187 games. With 109 international goals to his name, Messi has now added major trophies like the Copa America and the World Cup to his accolades. His remarkable performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
#1 Neymar (Brazil): 59 Assists
Neymar Has Only Won Just One Trophy With Brazil
Brazil’s Neymar tops the list with 59 assists in 128 matches for his country. Despite scoring 79 goals, Neymar has only secured one major trophy with the senior team. His standout performance in the 2013 Confederations Cup showcased his prowess as both a scorer and a provider.
