Players With Most Assists in International Football History: International football is where legends are made and records are broken. Assisting goals is one of the most important skills, showing a player’s vision, creativity, and teamwork.
Players With Most Assists in International Football History
In this article we will cover the top 25 players with the most assists in the history of international football, highlighting their lasting impact on the game.
25. Miroslav Klose
- Country: Germany
Miroslav Klose is a football legend with 29 assists and 71 goals for Germany. Famous for his heading skills and scoring ability, Klose became the top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals.

He played a key part in Germany’s success, helping them reach the 2002 World Cup finals and win the trophy in 2014.
Klose’s steady performance and teamwork made him an important player for the German team.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 23 | 58 | 12 |
World Cup | 16 | 24 | 4 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 16 | 23 | 6 |
World Cup Qualification | 13 | 19 | 4 |
EURO | 3 | 13 | 3 |
TOTAL | 71 | 137 | 29 |
24. Miralem Pjanic
- Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Miralem Pjanic has made 29 assists and scored 17 goals for Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a skilled playmaker, he played a key role in helping Bosnia qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in 2014.

His vision, free-kick skill, and accurate passing made him the core of Bosnia’s midfield. Even though the national team hasn’t won big trophies, Pjanic’s impact has been very important in improving Bosnia’s football reputation.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 5 | 35 | 5 |
World Cup Qualification | 5 | 30 | 14 |
International Friendlies | 5 | 30 | 7 |
UEFA Nations League | 1 | 13 | 2 |
World Cup | 1 | 3 | 1 |
TOTAL | 17 | 111 | 29 |
23. Andrés Iniesta
- Country: Spain
Andrés Iniesta, with 30 assists and 14 goals for Spain, is one of the greatest midfielders in football.

He scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, giving Spain their first World Cup trophy. He was also a key player in Spain’s UEFA European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.
Iniesta’s skill in assisting, controlling the midfield, and creating opportunities made him a central part of Spain’s golden era.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 5 | 55 | 10 |
World Cup Qualification | 1 | 20 | 5 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 6 | 21 | 6 |
World Cup | 2 | 14 | 3 |
EURO | – | 16 | 5 |
Confederations Cup | – | 5 | 1 |
TOTAL | 14 | 131 | 30 |
22. Thierry Henry
- Country: France
Thierry Henry, famous for his speed and technical ability, made 30 assists and scored 51 goals for the French team.

He was a crucial player in France’s 1998 World Cup win and their 2000 UEFA European Championship victory.
Henry was not just a great goal-scorer but also an excellent playmaker, creating many chances for his teammates throughout his international career.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 17 | 57 | 13 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 12 | 16 | 9 |
World Cup | 6 | 17 | 1 |
EURO | 6 | 11 | 2 |
Confederations Cup | 4 | 5 | 2 |
World Cup Qualification | 6 | 17 | 3 |
TOTAL | 51 | 123 | 30 |
21. Zinédine Zidane
- Country: France
Zinédine Zidane made 30 assists and scored 31 goals for France. A brilliant midfielder, Zidane helped lead France to their first World Cup title in 1998 and a European Championship in 2000.

His vision, dribbling, and passing were outstanding, and he often assisted key goals in important matches.
Zidane is still remembered as a legend in French football for his impact and leadership on the field.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 14 | 59 | 16 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 6 | 19 | 8 |
World Cup | 5 | 12 | 3 |
EURO | 5 | 14 | 2 |
World Cup Qualification | 1 | 4 | 1 |
TOTAL | 31 | 108 | 30 |
20. Johan Cruyff
- Country: Netherlands
Johan Cruyff, a football legend, made 30 assists and scored 33 goals for the Netherlands. As a key player in the “Total Football” style, Cruyff led his team to the 1974 World Cup final.

Though he never won a World Cup, his skill in assisting, scoring, and controlling the game from midfield changed football.
Cruyff’s influence helped shape the future of Dutch football.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 8 | 16 | 4 |
World Cup Qualification | 10 | 12 | 7 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 12 | 12 | 12 |
World Cup | 3 | 7 | 7 |
EURO | – | 1 | – |
TOTAL | 33 | 48 | 30 |
19. Landon Donovan
- Country: USA
Landon Donovan, with 31 assists and 57 goals, is one of the best players in American soccer history.

Famous for his speed and versatility, Donovan helped the USA win several CONCACAF Gold Cups and was key in their World Cup runs.
His assists, often resulting in important goals, made him a crucial player for the national team.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 19 | 63 | 7 |
World Cup Qualification | 13 | 40 | 9 |
Gold Cup 2013 | 18 | 34 | 12 |
World Cup | 5 | 12 | 1 |
Confederations Cup | 2 | 8 | 2 |
TOTAL | 57 | 157 | 31 |
18. Lukas Podolski
- Country: Germany
Lukas Podolski made 31 assists and scored 49 goals for Germany. He was Known for his strong left foot and speed, and played an important role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win.

While he was mostly recognized for his goals, his assists and overall contributions made him a reliable player during his international career.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 20 | 60 | 15 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 11 | 25 | 7 |
World Cup | 5 | 15 | 2 |
World Cup Qualification | 6 | 14 | 4 |
EURO | 4 | 12 | 2 |
Confederations Cup | 3 | 4 | 1 |
TOTAL | 49 | 130 | 31 |
17. David Silva
- Country: Spain
David Silva, with 32 assists and 35 goals, was a vital part of Spain’s golden generation. He played a key role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup win and their UEFA European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012.

Silva’s skill in creating chances, controlling the game’s tempo, and assisting his teammates made him an important player in Spain’s midfield. He also ranked among the Premier League Players With Most Assists and Manchester City’s all-time Assist Leaders.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 15 | 55 | 10 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 7 | 21 | 7 |
World Cup Qualification | 8 | 19 | 9 |
EURO | 3 | 15 | 5 |
World Cup | – | 9 | – |
Confederations Cup | 2 | 6 | 1 |
TOTAL | 35 | 125 | 32 |
16. Pelé
- Country: Brazil
Pelé, one of the greatest players in football history, made 44 assists and scored 77 goals for Brazil.

A three-time World Cup champion (1958, 1962, and 1970), Pelé was a well-rounded player known for his scoring, dribbling, and playmaking abilities. His assists were just as important as his goals, often helping Brazil win crucial matches.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 51 | 6 | 18 |
World Cup | 12 | 14 | 8 |
World Cup Qualification | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Copa América | 8 | 6 | 3 |
TOTAL | 77 | 92 | 32 |
15. Mohamed Salah
- Country: Egypt
Mohamed Salah has made 33 assists and scored 57 goals for Egypt. He is Known for his speed and finishing skills.

Salah has been crucial in Egypt’s African Cup of Nations efforts and their qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
His goals and assists have established him as one of Africa’s most influential players.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification | 20 | 28 | 9 |
International Friendlies | 12 | 28 | 9 |
World Cup Qualification | 16 | 24 | 11 |
Africa Cup of Nations | 7 | 19 | 4 |
World Cup | 2 | 2 | – |
TOTAL | 57 | 101 | 33 |
14. Robert Lewandowski
- Country: Poland
Robert Lewandowski, with 35 assists and 83 goals, is Poland’s all-time leading scorer.
Lewandowski has been key in Poland’s UEFA Euro and World Cup campaigns. His ability to assist teammates and score regularly has made him an exceptional player for his country.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 19 | 54 | 6 |
World Cup Qualification | 30 | 37 | 11 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 22 | 28 | 9 |
UEFA Nations League | 4 | 16 | 8 |
EURO | 6 | 13 | – |
World Cup | 2 | 7 | 1 |
TOTAL | 83 | 155 | 35 |
13. Cesc Fàbregas
- Country: Spain
Cesc Fàbregas made 36 assists and scored 15 goals for Spain. As a talented playmaker, Fàbregas was crucial in Spain’s World Cup win in 2010 and their back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

His assists were important, often setting up key goals during Spain’s successful period.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 9 | 48 | 11 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | – | 16 | 6 |
EURO | 3 | 16 | 5 |
World Cup Qualification | 2 | 14 | 7 |
World Cup | – | 10 | 4 |
Confederations Cup | 1 | 6 | 3 |
TOTAL | 15 | 110 | 36 |
12. Antoine Griezmann
- Country: France
Antoine Griezmann has made 38 assists and scored 44 goals for France. He played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, contributing with both goals and assists during the tournament. He was also the runner-up in the 2022 World Cup.

Griezmann’s playmaking skills and versatility have made him a dependable performer for the French national team.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 14 | 45 | 8 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 4 | 18 | 10 |
EURO | 7 | 17 | 2 |
World Cup | 4 | 19 | 7 |
UEFA Nations League | 4 | 20 | 3 |
World Cup Qualification | 10 | 18 | 7 |
TOTAL | 44 | 137 | 38 |
11. Luis Suarez
- Country: Uruguay
Luis Suarez has made 39 assists and scored 69 goals for Uruguay. He is Known for his aggressive and creative style.

Suarez was instrumental in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa América victory. His ability to assist and score has made him a consistent performer in international tournaments.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
World Cup Qualification | 29 | 64 | 14 |
International Friendlies | 22 | 39 | 17 |
World Cup | 7 | 16 | 5 |
Copa América | 8 | 19 | 3 |
Confederations Cup | 3 | 5 | – |
TOTAL | 69 | 143 | 39 |
10. Mesut Özil
- Country: Germany
Mesut Özil, with 40 assists and 23 goals, was a key playmaker for Germany. He played an important role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory, providing many assists during the tournament.

Özil’s vision and passing accuracy made him one of the top midfielders of his generation.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 5 | 30 | 10 |
World Cup Qualification | 9 | 20 | 10 |
World Cup | 2 | 16 | 4 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 5 | 15 | 12 |
EURO | 2 | 11 | 4 |
TOTAL | 23 | 11 | 40 |
9. Riyad Mahrez
- Country: Algeria
Riyad Mahrez has made 40 assists and scored 31 goals for Algeria. He was an important player in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations win.

Mahrez’s creativity and playmaking skills have always helped his national team succeed.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 9 | 32 | 11 |
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification | 10 | 27 | 18 |
Africa Cup of Nations | 6 | 20 | 2 |
World Cup | – | 1 | – |
World Cup Qualification | 6 | 16 | 6 |
TOTAL | 31 | 96 | 40 |
8. Alexis Sanchez
- Country: Chile
Alexis Sanchez, with 41 assists and 51 goals, has been a key player for Chile. He helped his team win Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016.

Sanchez’s skill in assisting and scoring important goals has made him one of Chile’s greatest players.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 21 | 66 | 16 |
World Cup Qualification | 20 | 61 | 17 |
Copa América | 7 | 26 | 5 |
World Cup | 2 | 8 | 2 |
Confederations Cup | 1 | 5 | 1 |
TOTAL | 51 | 166 | 41 |
7. Thomas Muller
- Country: Germany
Thomas Müller has made 41 assists and scored 45 goals for Germany. He is Known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability.

Müller was key in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory. His assists and smart play have been important for his national team.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 10 | 43 | 8 |
World Cup Qualification | 12 | 23 | 16 |
World Cup | 10 | 19 | 6 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 12 | 19 | 9 |
EURO | – | 17 | 2 |
UEFA Nations League | 1 | 10 | – |
TOTAL | 45 | 131 | 41 |
6. David Beckham
- Country: England
David Beckham, with 42 assists and 17 goals, was one of England’s best midfielders. He is known for his accurate crosses and set-pieces.

Beckham’s assists often resulted in important goals. Even though he didn’t win major international trophies, his contributions on the field were very significant.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 4 | 47 | 18 |
World Cup Qualification | 5 | 32 | 7 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 5 | 16 | 5 |
World Cup | 3 | 13 | 7 |
EURO | – | 7 | 5 |
TOTAL | 17 | 115 | 42 |
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Country: Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, with 45 assists and 133 goals, is Portugal’s all-time top scorer. He has helped Portugal win several trophies, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

Ronaldo’s ability to score and create goals has made him one of the greatest players of all time.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 22 | 54 | 12 |
World Cup Qualification | 36 | 47 | 14 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 41 | 44 | 6 |
EURO | 14 | 30 | 8 |
World Cup | 8 | 22 | 2 |
UEFA Nations League | 10 | 15 | 2 |
Confederations Cup | 2 | 4 | 1 |
TOTAL | 133 | 216 | 45 |
4. Luís Figo
- Country: Portugal
Luís Figo made 46 assists and scored 32 goals for Portugal. As a talented winger, Figo helped Portugal reach the UEFA Euro 2004 final.

His assists, dribbling, and creativity made him one of Portugal’s most important players.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 15 | 54 | 12 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 6 | 20 | 10 |
World Cup | – | 10 | 5 |
EURO | 2 | 14 | 5 |
World Cup Qualification | 9 | 29 | 14 |
TOTAL | 32 | 127 | 46 |
3. Kevin De Bruyne
- Country: Belgium
Kevin De Bruyne has made 49 assists and scored 26 goals for Belgium. He is Known for his great passing and vision.

De Bruyne has been important in Belgium’s World Cup and European Championship efforts. His playmaking has been key to the team’s recent success.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 5 | 28 | 13 |
World Cup Qualification | 6 | 21 | 10 |
UEFA Euro Qualifying | 9 | 17 | 10 |
World Cup | 2 | 13 | 4 |
UEFA Nations League | 3 | 11 | 7 |
EURO | 1 | 9 | 5 |
TOTAL | 26 | 99 | 49 |
2. Neymar
- Country: Brazil
Neymar has made 59 assists and scored 79 goals, ranking 2nd for all-time national team assists.

He is a key player for Brazil and has helped the team achieve many successes, including the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and a gold medal in the 2016 Olympics.
Neymar’s assists and dribbling skills have made him a standout player in Brazilian football history.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
International Friendlies | 46 | 70 | 30 |
World Cup Qualification | 16 | 28 | 19 |
World Cup | 8 | 13 | 4 |
Copa América | 5 | 12 | 4 |
Confederations Cup | 4 | 5 | 2 |
TOTAL | 79 | 128 | 59 |
1. Lionel Messi
- Country: Argentina
With 60 assists and 112 goals, Lionel Messi is the leader in national team assists. He led his team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also won the Finalissima in 2022 and the Olympic Games in 2008.

Messi’s ability to create plays, along with his goal-scoring record, has made him one of the greatest footballers of all time.
He is also known as one of the most handsome Argentine soccer players and ranks among the players with the most assists and free kicks in history.
Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
World Cup Qualification | 34 | 67 | 13 |
International Friendlies | 51 | 56 | 19 |
Copa América | 14 | 39 | 18 |
World Cup | 13 | 26 | 8 |
CONMEBOL | – | 1 | 2 |
TOTAL | 112 | 189 | 60 |