Playmakers are the architects of football, the minds behind the magic on the field. They control the rhythm of the game, create chances, and turn the tide of matches with their vision and creativity.
Some football fans often argue that playmaking and providing assists are the same thing, but they are not. Playmaking involves controlling the flow of the game, creating chances, and setting up attacking plays. It requires vision, creativity, and the ability to influence the game from deeper positions or advanced areas. Assists, on the other hand, specifically refer to the final pass or action that leads directly to a goal. While assists are a key part of playmaking, playmaking itself is a broader skill that goes beyond just delivering the final pass.
In this list, we highlight the top 10 playmakers currently dominating world football, including their stats for the 2023/24 season as well as their all-time international records. We’ve compiled this list to showcase the best in the game.
10. Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid & France
Starting our list with one of the most experienced playmakers, Antoine Griezmann, 33, has been the heartbeat of both Atletico Madrid and France for years. Known for controlling the rhythm of his teams’ play, he has helped secure major titles. A key figure at Atletico, he’s netted 184 goals and provided 88 assists in 398 appearances. His influence has led to the team winning several trophies, including the UEFA Super Cup, Europa League, and the Supercopa de España.
Griezmann was equally outstanding for the French national team before his retirement in September 2024. Over his 137 appearances, he scored 44 goals and assisted 38 times, playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Cup victory. Additionally, he topped the scoring charts at Euro 2016 with six goals. His football intelligence is unparalleled, as he combines the qualities of both a goal scorer and a creative maestro.
Antoine Griezmann’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 48 appearances (24 goals, 8 assists)
- International: 137 caps (44 goals, 38 assists)
- Honors: World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Europa League, Supercopa de España, Copa del Rey
9. Cole Palmer – Chelsea & England
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, 22, has been in remarkable form since his move from Manchester City in September 2023. Pep Guardiola might regret letting this one go, as Palmer has become an essential player for Chelsea, scoring 31 goals and providing 19 assists in 53 matches. Every time he’s on the ball, something exciting happens.
With his effortless style and electrifying creativity, Palmer has become a standout talent in English football. His contributions were crucial in Chelsea’s success, and he even impressed on the international stage, scoring a brilliant goal in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
Cole Palmer’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 48 appearances (27 goals, 15 assists)
- International: 9 caps (2 goals, 1 assist)
- Honors: Champions League, Premier League x3, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup
8. Dani Olmo – Barcelona & Spain
Dani Olmo’s performances during Euro 2024 helped Spain lift the trophy, contributing three goals and two assists in six matches. His impact caught the attention of Barcelona, and since his move, he has continued to shine in an attacking role. Previously at RB Leipzig, Olmo’s versatility and vision made him a key figure, with 29 goals and 34 assists in 148 games.
Olmo’s dribbling ability and eye for a killer pass make him one of Europe’s top creators, seamlessly transitioning from playmaker to goal threat.
Dani Olmo’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 25 appearances (8 goals, 5 assists)
- International: 40 caps (11 goals, 9 assists)
- Honors: Euro 2024, German Cup x2, German Super Cup, Croatian League x5
7. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England
Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of sensational since joining Real Madrid. Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Bellingham has thrived in a more advanced role, scoring 23 goals and assisting 13 times in 42 appearances. His link-up play with stars like Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe has made him a standout player for Madrid.
For England, Bellingham continues to impress, scoring a spectacular goal in their 2-1 win over Slovakia at Euro 2024.
Jude Bellingham’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 42 appearances (23 goals, 13 assists)
- International: 36 caps (5 goals, 6 assists)
- Honors: Champions League, La Liga, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España
6. Phil Foden – Manchester City & England
Phil Foden, 24, had a stellar 2023-24 season, which earned him the PFA Player of the Year award. He produced 27 goals and 12 assists across 53 matches, continuing to be an integral part of Guardiola’s Manchester City. His technical brilliance and creative flair were crucial in City securing their sixth Premier League title under Guardiola’s reign.
Often compared to greats like David Silva and Andres Iniesta, Foden’s performances set him apart as one of the most skilled playmakers in the game today.
Phil Foden’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 53 appearances (27 goals, 12 assists)
- International: 41 caps (4 goals, 8 assists)
- Honors: Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League x6, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup x2, League Cup x4
5. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich & Germany
As Bayern Munich transitions, Jamal Musiala has been at the forefront of their playmaking efforts. Musiala’s adaptability, energy, and creativity make him a critical player for the German giants. Last season, he contributed 12 goals and eight assists in 38 matches.
With his skillset, many see Musiala as the next big star in German football, with Bayern positioning him as the successor to Thomas Müller.
Jamal Musiala’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 38 appearances (12 goals, 8 assists)
- International: 36 caps (6 goals, 8 assists)
- Honors: Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Bundesliga x4, UEFA Super Cup, German Super Cup x3
4. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United & Portugal
Bruno Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s brightest stars since joining from Sporting CP. Known for his creativity and high-risk passing, Fernandes has been a consistent performer, delivering 15 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances last season.
While some see him as a divisive figure, there’s no denying that Fernandes is among the best midfielders in the world, with stats that put him in the same conversation as Premier League legends like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Bruno Fernandes’ Stats
- Club (2023-24): 48 appearances (15 goals, 13 assists)
- International: 73 caps (24 goals, 21 assists)
- Honors: FA Cup, League Cup, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese League Cup x2
3. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal & Norway
Arsenal’s resurgence has been led by captain Martin Ødegaard, whose playmaking abilities have been vital in turning them into Premier League contenders. Since his move from Real Madrid, Ødegaard has become the Gunners’ creative heartbeat, with 11 goals and 11 assists in 48 games last season.
His silky skills and footballing intelligence make him irreplaceable in Arteta’s team.
Martin Ødegaard’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 48 appearances (11 goals, 11 assists)
- International: 61 caps (3 goals, 11 assists)
- Honors: Copa del Rey
2. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen & Germany
Florian Wirtz has been the driving force behind Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign in 2023-24, producing 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 matches. His vision and technical ability make him a creative powerhouse, and his performances have caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs.
He’s also made his mark on the German national team, scoring four goals and assisting five in 25 caps.
Florian Wirtz’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 49 appearances (18 goals, 20 assists)
- International: 25 caps (4 goals, 5 assists)
- Honors: Bundesliga, German Cup, German Super Cup
1. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City & Belgium
There’s no playmaker more consistent than Kevin De Bruyne. Even with injuries beginning to take a toll, he remains an exceptional creator, posting 31 assists and six goals in 49 appearances during Manchester City’s treble-winning season.
De Bruyne’s ability to control the game, deliver pinpoint passes, and score from long range makes him a true footballing legend.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Stats
- Club (2023-24): 26 appearances (6 goals, 18 assists)
- International: 108 caps (30 goals, 49 assists)
- Honors: Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League x6, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup x2, League Cup x5, German Super Cup, Belgian Championship, Belgian Cup
NOTABLE MENTION
- Lionel Messi
- Bernardo Silva
- Luka Modric
- James Maddison
- Pedri
- Ilkay Gundogan
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Iago Aspas
- Alex Baena
