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Who are the Champions League's greatest creators?
From the earliest group stage to the latest knockout showdowns, the Champions League has been a theatre not just of goals but of vision – of that final pass that tears defences asunder.
While strikers often dominate the headlines, the creators behind the scenes deserve their own spotlight. So who are the players with the most assists in Champions League history?
Below are the top five all-time providers, ranked in reverse order, along with a look at what made them stand out.
5. Ryan Giggs
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The Welsh wing wizard is the fifth-highest assist provider in Champions League history (level with Kevin De Bruyne), credited with 31 assists per UEFA’s official rankings.
Across his long career with Manchester United, Giggs combined longevity, intelligence and consistency.
From his earlier years as a speedy and dynamic winger to his late-career development into a midfield maestro, Giggs always has a reliable creative touch with his favoured left foot. His ability to burst past defenders and pick out forwards in stride made him a constant threat in the competition’s biggest matches.
4. Neymar
PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP via Getty Images
Next on the list is Neymar, with 33 assists in the Champions League. The Brazilian’s style has always embraced risk, flair and creativity – and in Europe he supplemented his goal scoring with a steady output of key passes.
Whether ripping open defences for strike partners or curling through passes from wide areas, Neymar’s assist numbers reflect his dual role as both scorer and facilitator.
3. Lionel Messi
(Getty Images)
Lionel Messi sits third with 40 Champions League assists to his name. Over the years, Messi’s role evolved from winger to false nine to No.10, all the while threading passes with his low centre of gravity and vision.
His creativity among the tightest defences – in finals, knockout rounds and group stages alike – has often turned matches.
Those 40 assists underline that even a player known for scoring also made an enormous creative mark on Europe’s big stage.
2. Angel Di Maria
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In second place is Angel Di Maria, with 41 assists in the Champions League. Di Maria flew somewhat under the radar compared to some of the other superstars listed here, but in Europe, he’s been an assist machine. His crossing ability, combined with late diagonal runs and precision in tight areas, gave him a unique profile.
Interestingly, across his career, he has logged more assists in the Champions League than goals, reflecting his prowess as a provider.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images
At the top of the hill, unsurprisingly, is Cristiano Ronaldo, with 42 official assists in the Champions League – the most ever.
While he is most often celebrated as the competition’s greatest goal scorer, these numbers remind us he has also been among its greatest creators.
His ability to drift wide, deliver lay-offs and pick moments to feed runners has complemented his goal tally. Over 183 Champions League appearances, Ronaldo’s total contributions cement him as the competition’s most dominant force.
How to watch the Champions League in the U.S. on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch select teams in the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
Between September 25 - October 3, 2025 new customers can get a 20% discount on annual subscription.
An annual upfront payment is now $179.99 reduced from $224.99, while paying monthly for 12 months is $15.99 (down from $19.99) and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high-definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
Between September 25 - October 3, 2025 new customers can get a 20% discount on annual subscription.
An annual upfront payment is now $119.99 reduced from $149.99, while paying monthly for 12 months is $11.99 (down from $14.99) and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, offering differing selections of sports in each. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
