The UEFA Champions League is football’s grandest stage. It is the arena where the world’s best clubs battle for supremacy and where footballers carve out their legacy in front of millions of viewers across the globe. While goals are what usually dominate the highlights and headlines, the art of the assist deserves equal respect. For every goal scored, there is often a moment of creativity that made it possible, a perfectly weighted pass, a clever through-ball, or an unselfish square pass at just the right time.

Since the competition was reformatted in 1992, countless stars have stepped onto the pitch, but only a select few have consistently provided that crucial final pass. In this article, we dive deep into the players with the most Champions League assists, ranking them from 15th to 1st, and celebrating their influence on Europe’s biggest competition.

Why Assists Are So Valuable in the Champions League

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In football discussions, goal scorers are usually immortalized as the heroes of the game. However, an assist is often just as important as the goal itself. The Champions League is defined by fine margins, and defenses are notoriously difficult to break down. Creating an opening, finding a runner at just the right moment, or splitting a defense with vision requires elite skill and intelligence.

Assists showcase more than technical ability; they reflect composure, game awareness, and selflessness. While strikers thrive on goals, they rely on teammates who can carve open defenses. And in the Champions League, where the stakes are highest, only the most brilliant creators repeatedly rise to the occasion.

Players With the Most Champions League Assists

Before we dive into individual profiles, here is the full ranking of the top 15 players who have provided the most assists in Champions League history (up to the 2024/25 season):

RankPlayerAssistsClubs Represented1Cristiano Ronaldo42Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus2Angel Di Maria41Benfica, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus3Lionel Messi40Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain4Neymar33Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain5Ryan Giggs31Manchester United=6Xavi Hernandez30Barcelona=6Thomas Muller30Bayern Munich=8Karim Benzema29Lyon, Real Madrid=8Andres Iniesta29Barcelona=8Kevin De Bruyne29Genk, Chelsea, Manchester City=11Cesc Fabregas26Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea=11Zlatan Ibrahimovic26Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Man Utd=11Luis Suarez26Ajax, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid14Franck Ribery25Bayern Munich15Vinicius Jr24Real Madrid

15. Vinicius Jr — 24 Assists (Real Madrid)

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At just 24 years old, Vinicius Jr is already in the top 15 for the most Champions League assists, which is remarkable given his relatively short career so far. The Brazilian winger has quickly developed into Real Madrid’s talisman in Europe, combining electrifying pace with clinical decision-making.

Not only did he score the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, but he has consistently been a provider for Karim Benzema and others. With many years left ahead of him, Vinicius has the potential to climb well into the top 10, if not challenge the very top spots, before his career ends.

14. Franck Ribery — 25 Assists (Bayern Munich)

Franck Ribery terrorized defenses for over a decade in Bayern Munich’s colors. Known for his dazzling dribbling and quick bursts of acceleration, he was equally adept at threading killer passes through defensive lines. Ribery’s 25 assists in the Champions League highlight his role not just as a scorer but also as a creator.

His partnership with Arjen Robben formed one of the most dangerous wing duos in football history. Together, they dragged Bayern to multiple finals and a Champions League triumph in 2013. Ribery’s creativity was as essential as his flair.

13. Luis Suarez — 26 Assists (Ajax, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid)

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Luis Suarez is remembered primarily as a goalscorer, but his assist record should not be overlooked. With 26 assists, Suarez proved he could be selfless when necessary, particularly during his time at Barcelona as part of the iconic “MSN” trio with Messi and Neymar.

Suarez may not have had the longest Champions League career compared to others on this list, but his ability to both score and create made him invaluable to Barcelona’s 2015 treble-winning side.

12. Zlatan Ibrahimovic — 26 Assists (Multiple Clubs)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic may never have lifted the Champions League trophy, but his contribution to the competition is undeniable. With 26 assists to his name, the Swedish striker combined his physical presence with surprising vision and creativity.

Despite being known as a target man and flamboyant goalscorer, Zlatan consistently showed that he could create opportunities for teammates. His longevity across multiple European giants allowed him to cement his place among the all-time assist providers.

11. Cesc Fabregas — 26 Assists (Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea)

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Cesc Fabregas was one of the finest playmakers of his generation. His ability to see passes others couldn’t was his trademark, and his 26 Champions League assists prove his class.

Although he never won the competition, Fabregas consistently shone in Europe, whether it was leading Arsenal to the 2006 final or pulling the strings for Barcelona and Chelsea in later years. His career will always be remembered for his vision and midfield mastery.

10. Kevin De Bruyne — 29 Assists (Genk, Chelsea, Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne is a creative genius. With 29 assists in the Champions League so far, he is still an active player and could easily push his way into the top five before long. His partnership with Erling Haaland at Manchester City has taken his numbers to new heights.

De Bruyne’s pinpoint crosses and laser-like passes through tight spaces have made him indispensable for Pep Guardiola’s side. After finally winning the Champions League in 2023, De Bruyne is likely to add many more assists in the years to come.

9. Andres Iniesta — 29 Assists (Barcelona)

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Andres Iniesta was elegance personified. A master of control and creativity, he was the engine of Barcelona’s midfield during their golden era. With 29 assists in the Champions League, Iniesta consistently delivered on the biggest stage.

From orchestrating play in finals to providing vital assists in decisive matches, Iniesta’s impact extended far beyond statistics. His ability to control tempo and pick the right pass made him one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

8. Karim Benzema — 29 Assists (Lyon, Real Madrid)

Though primarily known as a prolific goalscorer, Karim Benzema was also a reliable creator. His 29 assists in the Champions League highlight his unselfishness and intelligence on the pitch.

Benzema’s chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the famous “BBC” trio was crucial in Real Madrid’s four Champions League triumphs between 2014 and 2018. Later, he became the leader himself, guiding Madrid to yet another European title in 2022.

7. Thomas Muller — 30 Assists (Bayern Munich)

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Thomas Muller has always been difficult to define. Neither a traditional striker nor a classic midfielder, Muller perfected the role of the “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter). His 30 assists in the Champions League are proof of his intelligence and ability to create out of nothing.

Muller has been a mainstay at Bayern for over a decade and remains a key player. With Bayern continuing to be among the favorites every season, his assist tally is likely to grow even further.

6. Xavi Hernandez — 30 Assists (Barcelona)

Xavi was the conductor of Barcelona’s orchestra. His passing ability, awareness, and composure made him one of the best midfielders in football history. His 30 assists in the Champions League are evidence of his role as the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side.

Together with Iniesta and Busquets, Xavi dominated midfields across Europe, helping Barcelona lift the trophy four times during his career. His influence on the game was immense, both as a creator and as a leader.

5. Ryan Giggs — 31 Assists (Manchester United)

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Ryan Giggs’ career longevity was legendary. With 145 appearances in the Champions League, all for Manchester United, Giggs provided 31 assists across two decades.

He was a vital part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams, winning the Champions League in 1999 and 2008. Giggs’ ability to deliver when it mattered most — including providing assists in multiple finals — cements his place among the all-time greats.

4. Neymar — 33 Assists (Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain)

Neymar’s flair and unpredictability made him one of the most entertaining players in the world. In Europe, his creativity shone brightest, with 33 assists in the Champions League.

As part of the legendary “MSN” trio, Neymar played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 2015 treble. Later at PSG, he continued to be the creative hub, guiding the French giants to their first-ever final in 2020. Neymar’s influence is undeniable, even if injuries often limited his impact.

3. Lionel Messi — 40 Assists (Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain)

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Lionel Messi is usually celebrated for his goalscoring exploits — 129 Champions League goals to be exact — but his 40 assists prove he was also one of the greatest creators of all time.

Messi’s vision, precision, and ability to find teammates in impossible positions were second to none. From his early days with Samuel Eto’o to his later partnership with Luis Suarez, Messi was always more than just a goalscorer. His all-round game ensures his place among the best in history.

2. Angel Di Maria — 41 Assists (Benfica, Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus)

Angel Di Maria is one of the most underrated players in modern football. With 41 assists in the Champions League, he sits second on the all-time list, ahead of even Lionel Messi.

Di Maria’s creativity and crossing ability made him invaluable wherever he played, from Real Madrid’s 2014 triumph to PSG’s consistent runs in Europe. Even in his mid-30s, he continues to provide moments of brilliance.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 42 Assists (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus)

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Cristiano Ronaldo is often referred to as “Mr Champions League,” and for good reason. He is the competition’s all-time top scorer with 141 goals, but he also tops the assists chart with 42.

Ronaldo’s combination of scoring and creativity is unmatched. Whether it was linking up with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, assisting Gareth Bale at Real Madrid, or delivering for teammates at Juventus, Ronaldo consistently produced on Europe’s biggest nights. Though now playing outside Europe, his Champions League legacy will never be forgotten.

The Legacy of Champions League Assists, While goals may define matches, assists tell the story of creativity and teamwork. From Ronaldo’s record 42 to Vinicius Jr’s rapidly growing tally, the art of providing goals remains central to Champions League history. The players on this list are proof that vision and unselfishness are as valuable as finishing.

With stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Muller, and Vinicius Jr still active, the table could look very different in a few years. But for now, Cristiano Ronaldo reigns supreme at the top of the list of most Champions League assists, with Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi not far behind.

FAQ

Who has the most Champions League assists in history?

Cristiano Ronaldo leads with 42 assists in the competition.

Which active players are in the top 15 for assists?

Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Muller, Angel Di Maria, and Vinicius Jr are active players in the top 15.

How many assists does Lionel Messi have in the Champions League?

Lionel Messi has provided 40 assists throughout his Champions League career.