Passing is one of the most beautiful and essential aspects of football, requiring vision, precision, and creativity. The best passers in the world can change the course of a match with a single moment of brilliance, whether it’s a defence-splitting through ball, a perfectly weighted cross, or a clever one-touch pass.
Passing is a special skill in football, regardless of the position a player occupies on the pitch. It’s a crucial element of the game, capable of dictating tempo and creating opportunities. Here’s our list of the top 10 passers in world football right now.
Key factors in this ranking:
• Assists
• Passing accuracy
• Key passes
Note: The ranking is based on players from the top five leagues.
10. Florian Wirtz
One of the most outstanding young talents in the world, Florian Wirtz has been pivotal in both scoring and creating chances. Last season, the German star provided a remarkable 19 assists. This season, he has already contributed 15 goal involvements (goals and assists) in 23 matches, solidifying his reputation as one of the best performing players globally.
9. Charles De Ketelaere
The 23-year-old forward has showcased his creativity this season with nine assists. In a standout UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys, De Ketelaere delivered an incredible three assists.
Known for his impeccable passing range, the Atalanta star is considered one of the best passers in world football.
8. Jamal Musiala
Renowned for his exceptional creativity and dribbling ability, Jamal Musiala continues to surpass his peers in several facets of the game. The young German international has racked up 17 goal contributions (goals and assists) in just 20 matches this season, further cementing his status as one of the most promising players in world football.
7. Omar Marmoush
The Egyptian star is having a phenomenal season with Eintracht Frankfurt. In 21 games, Marmoush has scored an impressive 17 goals and registered 11 assists, tallying an incredible 28 goal contributions.
At just 25 years old, he’s caught the attention of several top European clubs who are closely monitoring his progress.
6. Raphinha
This season, Raphinha has emerged as one of the best all-round players in world football. From scoring goals to creating chances and showcasing an unmatched work rate, the Brazilian has been exceptional.
Raphinha has already provided 10 assists this season and, under Hansi Flick’s guidance, has reached new heights in his development.
5. Álex Baena
Álex Baena has established himself as one of La Liga’s most creative players. He was the league’s top assist provider last season and continues to lead the charts in 2024.
His vision and passing accuracy make him an indispensable player for Villarreal, cementing his place as one of the most reliable creators in Spain.
4. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is an extraordinary talent who has proven himself to be one of the best set-piece creators in the world. The Arsenal winger has already registered 11 assists this season, most of which have come from dead-ball situations.
Over the past two seasons, Saka has provided an impressive 25 assists for Arsenal, underlining his consistency and creativity.
3. Cole Palmer
Since leaving Manchester City, Cole Palmer has made a name for himself as one of the best No. 10s in the world. His dribbling, passing, and goalscoring abilities have been nothing short of exceptional.
This season, Palmer has delivered a hat-trick of assists in one match and, during his time at Chelsea, has already accumulated 21 assists, further proving his quality.
2. Lamine Yamal
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is redefining what it means to be a generational talent. The Barcelona prodigy was the top assist provider at Euro 2024, and his signature “Trivela assists” have become a joy to watch.
This season, Yamal has registered 11 assists for Barcelona and a staggering 26 assists in 2024, more than any other player this calendar year.
1. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah remains at the pinnacle of world football this season. While renowned for his goalscoring ability, Salah has significantly improved his playmaking in recent years. The 2021/22 Premier League Playmaker of the Season continues to shine, registering 12 assists this season for Liverpool.
Salah’s ability to combine goals, dribbles, and creativity cements his reputation as the best passer in the world right now.
