When we talk about football legends, goals usually get all the attention, but the players who set them up, those playmakers also deserve some love too. An assist isn’t just a pass; it shows vision, smart thinking, and skill. The Premier League has always been a great place for these creative players.
With fast breaks and perfectly timed passes, assists have really impacted the success of teams and changed the results of matches. This article dives deep into the 13 elite footballers with the most assists in Premier League history.
These are not just statistics; they are testaments to artistry, selflessness, and footballing intelligence that elevated their teammates and delivered silverware. Want to know the players with the most assists in the world? See our full list of the players with most assists in football history.
13 Players with the Most Assists in Premier League History!
1. Ryan Giggs – 162 Assists
2. Cesc Fàbregas – 111 Assists
3. Kevin De Bruyne – 104 Assists
4. Wayne Rooney – 103 Assists
5. Frank Lampard – 102 Assists
6. Dennis Bergkamp – 94 Assists
7. David Silva – 93 Assists
8. Steven Gerrard – 92 Assists
9. James Milner – 87 Assists
10. David Beckham – 80 Assists
11. Thierry Henry – 74 Assists
12. Ashley Young – 71 Assists
13. Christian Eriksen – 70 Assists
13. Christian Eriksen – 70 Assists
Christian Eriksen‘s skill and vision made him a standout midfielder over the past ten years. He racked up 70 assists in the Premier League, especially shining during his time at Tottenham. From 2015 to 2019, he always managed to hit double-digit assists, with an impressive 16 in the 2016/17 season when Spurs came in second.
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He was a big part of their Champions League journey in 2019 and helped the team consistently place in the top four. Now playing for Manchester United, Eriksen is still showing his talent, creating chances and linking up with players like Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund.
12. Ashley Young – 71 Assists
Ashley Young racked up 71 assists while playing for Watford, Aston Villa, and Manchester United. At Aston Villa, he was recognized for his speed and crossing ability, helping strikers like John Carew and Gabby Agbonlahor.
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When he joined United in 2011, he played a big role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last title-winning season in 2012/13. Even after switching to full-back, he kept making important plays and assists, proving he could adapt to different roles on the pitch.
11. Thierry Henry – 74 Assists
Thierry Henry is famous for scoring 175 goals, but he also set up 74 assists in 258 games. His speed, vision, and teamwork made him a great scorer and a solid playmaker. He teamed up well with Robert Pires and helped Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Ljungberg score over 20 goals each.
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In the 2002/03 season, he managed to get over 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, which is pretty rare. His impact was huge during Arsenal’s Invincibles season, where he played a key role with skill and drive.
10. David Beckham – 80 Assists
David Beckham is famous for his amazing crossing ability, racking up 80 assists in 265 games. He spent ten years with Manchester United, making him a one-club player in the Premier League before heading overseas. Most of his assists came from set pieces, corners, and deep crosses. His passes to players like Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær were often what led to goals for United.
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Beckham topped the league in assists during the 1999/00 season and played a huge role in their treble-winning season in 1998/99, coming through in big matches. He also made his mark on the England team, where he has the most assists in competitive matches.
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9. James Milner – 87 Assists
James Milner might not be the most flashy player out there, but you can’t argue with his consistency. He’s racked up 87 assists and has made a mark at every club he’s been with, including Leeds United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool. At City, he was instrumental in their title wins in 2011/12 and 2013/14.
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Over at Liverpool, he played a big part in their 2019/20 title win, bringing both leadership and skill to the team. His ability to play in different positions never stopped him from stepping up, whether it was making a perfect cross or calmly taking a penalty.
8. Steven Gerrard – 92 Assists
Steven Gerrard is a true Liverpool legend and one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Over his 17 seasons, he racked up 92 assists. His passing was top-notch, especially with those long diagonal balls. He set up big goals in Champions League matches and in the league for players like Fernando Torres, Luis Suárez, and Michael Owen.
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Some of his notable assists came during memorable games, like the wild 4-3 victory over Newcastle in 1996 and the 2005 Champions League journey. Even though he never won the Premier League, Gerrard always kept Liverpool in the mix. In the 2008/09 season, he notched 11 assists and scored 16 goals, helping the team to finish second, and one of their best seasons in a long time.
7. David Silva – 93 Assists
Not many players have shown the same skill on the ball as David Silva. With 93 assists in 309 matches for Manchester City, he was a key part of the team’s rise to success. He joined in 2010 and played a big role in City’s first Premier League title in 2011/12, setting up goals for stars like Agüero, Dzeko, and Yaya Touré. His knack for finding space and making timely passes helped turn close games into wins.
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He racked up 12 assists that season and continued with his playmaking magic throughout his ten years at the club, contributing to four league titles. Silva’s impact on City’s style was huge. Fans called him “Merlin,” and he also helped younger players like Phil Foden, leaving a creative mark on the team.
6. Dennis Bergkamp – 94 Assists
Dennis Bergkamp was a key player for Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal. With 94 assists in just 315 games, the Dutch star helped create one of the best attacking teams in football. His chemistry with Thierry Henry and Robert Pires was crucial to the Invincibles squad. Bergkamp managed to get double-digit assists in four seasons, including important plays in the 2001/02 and 2003/04 title-winning years.
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One standout moment was his clever flick to set up Freddie Ljungberg against Juventus in the Champions League, showing he made a mark on European nights too. He was also named in the Premier League Team of the Decade, and his style inspired many forwards who focused on skill rather than just strength.
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5. Frank Lampard – 102 Assists
Frank Lampard wasn’t just Chelsea’s top scorer; he was a creative force on the field. With 102 assists in 609 games, he really changed what it meant to be a box-to-box midfielder. He set up big goals for stars like Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Nicolas Anelka during Chelsea’s best years under coaches like Mourinho and Ancelotti. His knack for making key passes, taking set pieces, and playing quick give-and-gos kept the pressure on opponents.
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Lampard played a big role in many finals and important matches, especially in the 2004/05 season when Chelsea won the title with a record defense. His partnership with Drogba is one of the most successful in Premier League history, with over 30 assists for him. Plus, he’s the only midfielder to have over 100 goals and 100 assists in the Premier League, showing just how good he really was.
4. Wayne Rooney – 103 Assists
Often lauded for his goalscoring, Wayne Rooney’s playmaking skills were equally impressive. With 103 assists, he remains one of only three players to score over 200 goals and provide 100+ assists in Premier League games. Rooney was a versatile forward who could drop back, make passes, and link up with the midfield.
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While at Manchester United, he assisted stars like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, and Robin van Persie, often stepping up in tough situations. He even had key assists during title wins, including setting up Van Persie’s volley that clinched United’s 20th league title in 2013.
Wayne Rooney played a vital role during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years, shining both as a scorer and a playmaker. His assist record shows how he adapted, moving from a second striker role to a midfield playmaker in his later time at United and Everton.
3. Kevin De Bruyne – 104 Assists
Kevin De Bruyne has transformed the idea of a modern playmaker. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, he has notched 104 assists (as of the latest Premier League season), and is rapidly climbing the charts. The 2019/20 season was the standout one for the Belgian player, as he matched Thierry Henry’s record with 20 assists.
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De Bruyne is great at delivering dangerous crosses, nailing set pieces, and making clever passes, which makes him super important for Pep Guardiola’s squad. His assists have helped Manchester City snag five league titles.
Whether he’s setting up Sergio Agüero, Gabriel Jesus, or Erling Haaland, he’s been a top playmaker during a strong period for English football. He’s won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award three times (2017–18, 2019–20, 2022–23), more than anyone else.
Plus, he’s the fastest player to hit 50 assists in the Premier League, doing it in just 123 games, which shows how effective he is. Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders the league has witnessed in the last decade and amongst the few players with the most assists in Premier League history.
2. Cesc Fàbregas – 111 Assists
Cesc Fàbregas, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia, really came into his own in England. He notched up 111 assists over 350 games, making him one of the rare players to reach triple digits twice—first with Arsenal and then with Chelsea. At Arsenal, he took on a creative role early in his career.
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From 2004 to 2011, he racked up over 70 assists, often setting up stars like Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, and Emmanuel Adebayor. Even though he didn’t win many major trophies, his skill and smarts on the field made him one of the top midfielders in the league. After his return from Barcelona, he joined Chelsea in 2014 and got off to a great start.
In the 2014/15 season, he led the league with 18 assists as Chelsea took home the title under Jose Mourinho. He was also important in their title win again in 2016/17 with Antonio Conte. Notably, Fàbregas remains one of the few midfielders to rank in the top 5 all-time for both assists and chances created in Premier League results history.
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1. Ryan Giggs – 162 Assists
Ryan Giggs stands as the all-time leader with 162 assists in 632 Premier League games, a towering record that remains untouched. The Manchester United legend played every Premier League season from its inception in 1992 until his retirement in 2014, contributing across multiple generations of footballers. Ryan Giggs played every season of the Premier League from 1992 until he retired in 2014.
He was part of different football eras, helping teams score with big names like Eric Cantona, Andy Cole, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo. He set up many crucial goals, including key assists in title-winning years. One of his best seasons was in 1998-99 when he helped secure important goals in tight matches that led to United winning both in England and Europe.
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His legacy isn’t just about the number of titles, even though he won 13 Premier League titles, which is the most by any player. It’s also about how consistently he made a difference. As he got older, he adapted his game from being a winger to taking on a playmaking role, keeping him a vital part of the team right up until the end of his career.
Assists Stat in the Premier League Today
Assists are now more than just numbers on a sheet. These days, coaches care about creating chances as much as they do about scoring goals. Premier League players like Bruno Fernandes, Martin Ødegaard, and Bukayo Saka have a great eye for the game and could continue to impress us.
The way teams play has shifted too, wingers are cutting inside, full-backs are pushing forward, and midfielders are switching positions. Because of this, we’re seeing more Premier League assists come from all over the pitch, not just from the classic playmakers.
Impact of Creators in Premier League Success
While goals grab the spotlight, assist providers play a key role in a team’s chances of winning. Just look at Manchester City and how De Bruyne’s passes have helped them dominate, or Arsenal’s Invincibles powered by Bergkamp’s skills.
These playmakers improve the game for every striker, midfielder, and winger they play with. In the Premier League table, teams that rank highest typically have multiple assist providers. It’s a strategic asset that separates contenders from pretenders.
Conclusion
The game of football isn’t just about finishing, but also about creating. And when it comes to the most assists in Premier League, the players on this list have left a mark that goals alone can’t measure. They were visionary, selfless, and integral to their club’s success.
As the Premier League games evolve, so too will the names on this list. One thing is clear, great football is all about teamwork, and these assist kings really know how to make it happen.
People Also Ask About Most Assists in Premier League
Who has the most assists in a season of Premier League?
Thierry Henry is still the only player in Premier League history with 20 goals and 20 assists in a single season.
Who is the best playmaker in the Premier League?
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has won the 2024/25 Golden Boot and Playmaker awards, making history in the process. The Golden Boot award is awarded to the highest-scoring player of a Premier League season.
How many assists does Ozil have?
Mesut Özil has a total of 262 assists in his career, according to his career stats from Facebook. He achieved this in 737 total games.
How many assists did De Bruyne give to Haaland?
Amazingly, 19 of those assists have come in the Premier League, when Kevin De Bruyne has set up goals for Erling Haaland.
What is the most assist trophy?
The Premier League Playmaker of the Season is an annual English football award, presented to the player who has made the most assists (the last pass made before a goal scored) in the Premier League.
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