Who are the top 5 players with the most assists in international history?

Who are the top 5 players with the most assists in international history?

In Argentina’s most recent match against Peru Lionel Messi provided the assist for the game's only goal, and with that pass became the joint highest international assister of all time. But who are the other five that join the Argentinian on the list? Some of the players might surprise you.

5: Sandor Kocsis - 50 international assists*

The first of two players on this list to be a part of Hungary’s renowned Golden Team of the 1950s. Kocsis played for Hungary between 1948-56 scoring 75 goals in 68 appearances for Hungary putting him 5th in the European international goalscoring charts. The striker notably played for Barcelona where he won the league twice and is Hungary’s second highest goalscorer of all time. When he wasn’t busy assisting his teammates Kocsis would be scoring, winning the Golden Boot at the 1954 World Cup.

4: Ferenc Puskas - 53 international assists*

The Hungarian football club Budapest Honved was not only home to Kocsis for a lot of his career but also the Hungarian legend, Ferenc Puskas. Predominantly known for his goalscoring and widely regarded as one of the greatest players from the 20th century, it is no surprise that he finds his way onto the list. Puskas scored 84 goals for Hungary, won five Spanish first division titles and came runner-up in the 1960 Ballon d’Or.

Hungary
Ferenc Puskas
85 International Appearances
84 International Goals pic.twitter.com/oAXeglTfex

— Superb Footy Pics (@SuperbFootyPics) June 21, 2024

3: Neymar - 57 international assists

A very close runner up behind the two tied at the top, Neymar could’ve easily surpassed them if he hadn’t had so many injury issues in the past few seasons. He is not only Brazil’s record assister but also their record goalscorer with 79 goals. Picking up numerous pieces of silverware in Brazil, Spain and France he is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation known for his skills, dribbling and playmaking. Now playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia the Brazilian is rumoured to be looking for a move away to kickstart the latter years of his career.

Neymar has really been scoring for Brazil men's senior team for 13 years 🤯🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/HCh6sIKwNN

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 10, 2023

1: Landon Donovan - 58 international assists

A piece of USA and MLS royalty, there’s a reason why the MVP award is named in his honour. Donovan is known for his ability to set up goals as he also has the most assists in MLS history with 136. The forward won a record six MLS Cups and is second on the all-time USA international appearances chart. Whilst he didn’t necessarily crack the European stage like some of the others on this list he is still respected internationally as one of the greatest American players.

Just like that, Lionel Messi ties Landon Donovan for the most assists recorded in international men's football—58 🐐

Took Messi 34 more games though 😏pic.twitter.com/0tMxz04iT6

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 20, 2024

1: Lionel Messi - 58 international assists

The real surprise here is how it took so long for Messi to reach the top of this list. Bound to soon make the record his own, Messi has too many club and international records to name. The ‘little magician’ has eight Ballon d’Or trophies and has won 45 club trophies over his career. For Argentina, he has delivered their first World Cup in 36 years as well as two Copa Americas and has the most goals, assists and appearances for his home nation. A true Argentine hero and an all-time great.

Leo Messi equals Landon Donovan for most assists in men's international football history (58) pic.twitter.com/sWafdtzLWo

— Lionel Messi Fan Club (@LMessifanclub) November 20, 2024

It is also worth mentioning that Kevin De Bruyne currently has 49 international assists meaning his chances of making this list soon are very likely.

The totals for Ferenc Puskas and Sandor Kocsis are estimated, as record-keeping during their career was not equivalent to today's standards.

Assist numbers via Opta, with some supplemented or confirmed by national federations.