Who are the top 10 assist leaders in the Champions League since 1992? The answers might surprise you, as only three active players make a top 10 appearance.

Let’s take a closer look at the assist makers whose creativity and vision make them the top ten Champions League assist leaders of all time.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 42 assists in 187 games

Surprise! Do you mean Mr. Champions League is also the tournament’s top assist man? Yes, indeed.

In addition to scoring 140 Champions League in his 913 career strikes, the legend Cristiano Ronaldo also provided 42 assists.

The five-time Champions League winner is a record-breaker in all categories UCL. He’s made more Champions League appearances (187) and scored and assisted more goals than any other player.

2. Lionel Messi – 40 assists in 163 games

Where there’s Ronaldo, there’s his main rival: Lionel Messi.

The majestic Argentine laced 40 assists and scored 129 goals across 163 Champions League matches. An artful passer, Messi won the UCL title four times, two of which were part of the treble.

3. Angel Di Maria – 39 assists in 111 games

Fellow Argentine and winner Angel Di Maria takes third on the all-time Champions League assist makers list.

The winger only needs two more assists to surpass his international teammate, Messi. At 36, Di Maria has traversed some of the best teams in Europe, including Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester, and Paris Saint-Germain. But it’s under Primera Liga club Benfica that he could become the tournament’s all-time leading assist man. So close.

4. – 33 assists in 81 games

He left Champions League football too soon. But when he was present, he tore it up. Neymar notched 43 goals and 33 assists in just 81 Champions League games.

His G/A ratio was simply off the charts. He averages a goal or assists per game. He had a big impact, even if he left Barcelona prematurely for PSG.

5. Ryan Giggs – 31 assists in 151 games

Now we’re getting into the oldies. The Welshman Ryan Giggs won two Champions League titles and contributed 31 assists and 30 strikes along the way. Stay class long enough you’ll eventually break all other types of records — Giggs also owns Man United’s club record for appearances (963) and scored in 23 consecutive English top-flight seasons. Thankfully, he saved some of his best football for Europe’s grandest stage.

6. Thomas Muller – 30 assists in 152 games

The ever-versatile German attacker Thomas Muller is still lacing them up for Bayern Munich. The 35-year-old Bavarian legend is sixth in all-time Champions League assists with high likeliness of breaking into the top four. Why? Goal-machine Harry Kane takes the cake right in front of him.

7. Xavi Hernandez – 30 assists in 157 games

Barca legend Xavi Hernandez demonstrated some of the best avatar eyes in his Champions League performances. His exceptional field vision provided 30 assists in his 157 UCL matches.

He, along with Iniesta and Messi, formed arguably one of the best sides of all time during the 2010-11 season, when “tika-taka” reigned supreme.

8. Karim Benzema – 29 assists in 152 games

2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema stamped his name on the Champions League history books. In addition to making the top-ten assist list, he ranks fourth on the all-time Champions scoring list. He also won five Champions League total.

His epic 2021-22 Champions League run, including hallmark goals against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the run up to the final was the stuff of legends.

9. Andres Iniesta – 29 assists in 132 games

Where there’s Messi and Xavi, there’s chief creator Andres Iniesta.

The four-time Champions League winner is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in history. The Spaniard earned 33 trophies in his illustrious Blaugrana career.

10. Kevin De Bruyne – 29 assists in 73 games

Kevin De Bruyne is one of three active players on the assist list, earning 29 Champions League assists in 73 matches.

While coming into the twilight of his career, de Bruyne excelled under Guardiola at Manchester City to earn the team their first Champions League trophy during the Treble-winning 2022-023 season.