15 Greatest Passers in Football History
Best Passers
This is the list of the greatest passers in football history.
Xabi Alonso
Former Spain international Xabi Alonso was a masterful deep-lying playmaker, known for his vision and long-range passing, and boasted a career Bundesliga pass accuracy close to 90 percent. Throughout his career, Alonso won the World Cup in 2010, two Euros in 2008 and 2012, and two Champions Leagues titles.
Andrea Pirlo
Known as 'The Architect' for his vision and high passing accuracy, 89.2 percent in a Serie A season, Andrea Pirlo is one of the greatest passers of all time. He is 6th in Serie A's all-time assist-providers' list, having won multiple club honors including 6 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles, both with Juventus and AC Milan.
Juan Roman Riquelme
Argentine icon Juan Roman Riquelme is often lauded for his otherworldly vision and passing range, with his career stats including 142 assists and 135 goals in roughly 523 club games. His legacy is that of the last pure play-maker, having played for clubs like Boca Juniors, Villarreal and Barcelona throughout his career.
Andres Iniesta
One of the greatest midfielders of all time and a Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta built his legacy as a brilliant passer during the tiki-taka era. Finishing with a 162 assists throughout his club career, Iniesta won a staggering 35 trophies, including 9 La Liga and 4 UCL titles, and the 2010 World Cup, where scoring the winning goal.
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is recognized as one of greatest passers, maintaining an elite pass accuracy of over 92 percent in each season, while also being the UCL all-time leader in passes into the final third since the 2003-04 season, with an 89 percent success rate. His incredible trophy haul includes the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he was top assist-provider.
Mesut Ozil
Lauded as one of the best play-makers of his era, Mesut Ozil was well-known for his vision and accurate passing ability. The German 'number 10' was the top assist provider at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, while also being the record holder for most assists in consecutive Premier league matches (7).
Zinedine Zidane
Frenchman Zinedine Zidane's is best remembered for his elegance, vision, and ball control, making him arguably the most graceful play-maker in history. A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and 1998 Ballon d'Or winner, Zidane's true value lay in his clutch performances in finals and his ability to dictate the tempo in matches.
Sergio Busquets
Widely regarded as one of football's best passers and defensive midfielders, Sergio Busquets was a key member of Barcelona and Spain's 'Golden Eras'. His passing stats often show close to 90 percent accuracy, with a career distinguished by his exceptional reading of the game, subtle positioning, and ability to dictate tempo.
Michael Laudrup
Danish midfield great Michael Laudrup is one of the best passers in football history, known for his vision, technique, and ability to deliver a 'killer final ball'. He finished with a comprehensive assist record from his era, with his stats including 132 goals and 62 assists in 478 club appearances, for Barcelona, Ajax, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Paul Scholes
Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for Manchester United, registering 155 goals and 82 assists across all competitions. His legacy is cemented by a massive trophy haul, including a record 11 Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, while also known for his accurate cross-field passing.
Kevin De Bruyne
One of the greatest passers of the current era, Belgium and Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne holds the Premier League record for most assists in a single season (20), equaling Thierry Henry's record. It highlights his elite play-making, with his legacy defined by his unrivaled vision and delivery, leading City to a historic treble in 2023.
Xavi
Another member of Barcelona 'Golden Era', Xavi Hernández is often considered as the greatest passer in history. His unparalleled vision and exceptional passing accuracy of over 90 percent, defined his legacy, leading to 32 major trophies, including a World Cup and two Euros with Spain, and four UCL titles with Barca.
Johan Cruyff
A proponent of 'Total Football', Johan Cruyff is considered among history's best passers and play-makers due to his vision and intelligence. His impressive career records include 3 Ballon d'Or awards, 3 European Cups and 9 Eredivisie titles with Ajaz, while also having left behind his possession-based style while managing Barcelona.
Pele
Widely considered as the most complete footballer ever, Brazilian great Pele was a phenomenal play-maker and passer with exceptional vision. His career stats include a world-record 1,281 goals in 1,363 club games, including 77 goals for Brazil, while also being the only player to win three FIFA World Cups, in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Lionel Messi
Argentinian Lionel Messi's play-making is considered by many among the best ever, holding the record for the most assists in international football (60), demonstrating exceptional vision and precision passing. His legacy includes a record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and over 45 major collective trophies like the FIFA World Cup, multiple UCL, and league titles.
