Passing is an art form that weaves the fabric of the game together. The ability to deliver a pass with pinpoint accuracy, perfect timing, and impeccable vision distinguishes the great from the legendary. Throughout the history of football, several players have elevated this skill to an unparalleled level, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Unfortunately, many players from the 90s are excluded because we are unable to generate detailed information about them. Most of the players highlighted are from the 21st century.
From the impressive through balls of Andrea Pirlo to the visionary assists of Xavi Hernandez, and the genius of players like Lionel Messi, we explore the attributes that make a passer exceptional. These players possess an extraordinary ability to read the game, anticipate movements, and deliver the ball with precision, creating opportunities that often defy the ordinary.
Here is our top 10 best passers in football history in 2024
10. Luka modric
Luka Modric is a master passer, renowned for his exceptional vision, control, and technique. His passing range is unparalleled, capable of executing pinpoint accurate short and long-range passes with ease.
Modric’s ability to read the game and identify spaces allows him to pick out teammates with precision, often unlocking defenses with a single thread of passes. His intelligence on the pitch is matched by his technical prowess, making him a nightmare for opponents to mark.
Modric’s passing statistics are staggering, with 283 assists throughout his career. His creativity, control, and passing range make him one of the greatest passers in history. Modric’s vision and decision-making allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, often controlling the flow of play with his passes.
His ability to deliver crucial passes in high-pressure situations has earned him numerous accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2018. Modric’s passing legacy continues to inspire a new generation of midfielders, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
9. Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas was a driving force for La Roja, cementing his status as one of the finest midfielders and passers of his generation.
At the club level, he shone brightest at Arsenal and Chelsea, achieving remarkable milestones. He became the fastest player to reach 100 assists in the English top-flight and the first to record 15+ assists in two consecutive seasons.
8. Toni Kroos
He did not get here by coincidence, kroos is considered one of the great passer with the best vision . Against Scotland in the UEFA euro 2024 he gave a real recital, which was appreciated not only by the eyes of the spectator. The data and statistics after the match reflect that Kroos is a true precision machine : he only failed one pass out of 103, which for the European Championship consists of 103 passes, he completed 8 of 8 long passes, 23 of 23 short passes and 71 of 72 medium passes. He only failed one to leave his success rate at 99 .
Kroos was the player who touched the ball the most times and made the most passes in the group stage of the European Championship, a record that is difficult to beat.
Throughout his ten years at Real Madrid, Toni Kroos has won 22 titles so far: four Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four Spanish Leagues, one Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups. He played 463 games as a player for Real Madrid, scoring 28 goals and providing 98 assists.
7. Iniesta
Iniesta on the other hand, excelled in a different aspect of playmaking. While not renowned for his long-range passing, Iniesta mastered the art of shorter distances.
His exceptional dribbling skills and vision allowed him to craft exquisite through-balls and lobbed passes, capable of dismantling even the most robust defenses.
Iniesta’s unique style thrived in tight spaces, making him a nightmare for opposing teams.
6. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was a footballing genius whose exceptional passing ability often took a backseat to his impressive array of other skills. With a first touch that’s arguably the best in football history, Zidane was a big-game player who consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, scoring crucial goals in World Cup and Champions League finals. However, beyond his dazzling goalscoring ability, Zidane was a master passer.
Zidane’s passing range and creativity were unparalleled. He could use both the instep and outer edge of both feet, effectively making him four-footed. This versatility allowed him to conjure creative passing solutions, even when surrounded by opponents.
His France teammate, Bixente Lizarazu, once said, “When we don’t know what to do, we just give the ball to Zizou and he works something out.” This testament to Zidane’s vision and passing ability showcases his true genius on the pitch. Despite being surrounded by pressure, Zidane consistently found ways to distribute the ball effectively to his teammates, making him a true legend of the game.
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s incredible passing ability. The Belgian midfielder has consistently impressed with his precision, range, and vision on the pitch. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of De Bruyne’s passing style and explore how he has honed his craft to become one of the greatest passers in the game.
With an astonishing 227 assists in all competitions, De Bruyne’s statistics speak for themselves. His ability to pick out a teammate with a perfectly weighted pass has been a hallmark of his career, and his consistency is a testament to his dedication and skill.
So, what sets De Bruyne apart from his peers? Let’s take a closer look at his passing technique, vision, and decision-making to understand the secrets behind his success. He’s the best passer currently in the premier league
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4.Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs, with 244 assists, remains a legend at Manchester United for his pace, skill, and delivery from the wing. Giggs’ passing was unique due to his ability to combine speed with precision. His crosses from the left wing were a constant threat, perfectly weighted and delivered into dangerous areas for strikers to capitalize on.
Giggs’ dribbling skills allowed him to beat defenders and create space to deliver his passes, often from seemingly impossible positions. His vision enabled him to make split-second decisions, picking out teammates with pinpoint accuracy. Giggs also possessed a remarkable ability to execute through balls that dissected defenses, demonstrating his exceptional understanding of the game and his teammates’ movements.
3. Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil is a creative genius on the pitch, renowned for his innovative and unique passing style. His ability to identify teammates making runs and deliver pinpoint accurate passes is unparalleled.
Ozil’s stints with Real Madrid and Arsenal showcased his exceptional skills, leaving a lasting impact on the beautiful game. At Real Madrid, he was instrumental in their La Liga victory in 2011-2012, providing numerous assists for Cristiano Ronaldo and other teammates.
His time at Arsenal was marked by moments of brilliance, including his key role in ending the club’s trophy drought with the FA Cup victory in 2014. Ozil’s vision and creativity earned him numerous individual accolades, including being named German Player of the Year on multiple occasions.
His international career with Germany was highlighted by winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014, where his playmaking abilities were crucial to the team’s success. Despite facing criticism and challenges later in his career, Ozil’s legacy as one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation remains intact. His ability to unlock defenses with his passing and his flair for the spectacular make him a player who will be remembered for years to come.
2. Xavi
The Spanish maestro is a passing mastermind, boasting an unprecedented 100% passing accuracy in a single game. Against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2013 Champions League, Xavi completed 92 passes, solidifying his position as one of the greatest passers in history.
Xavi’s career at Barcelona saw him win numerous titles, including 8 La Liga championships and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies. His ability to control the tempo of the game and his vision made him a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s midfield.
After retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi returned to Barcelona as manager, although he stepped down after a trophyless season. His influence on the game extends beyond his playing days, as he has inspired a generation of midfielders with his style of play.
Xavi’s understanding of the game and his tactical acumen have made him a respected figure in football coaching circles. His tenure at Al Sadd in Qatar was marked by domestic success, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in different footballing environments. Xavi’s legacy is one of precision, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to the beautiful game.
1. Lionel Messi
Regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi’s impressive resume extends far beyond his passing ability. His exceptional spring record, dribbling skills, and winning mentality have cemented his status as a legend.
With an astonishing 314 assists, Messi’s vision, speed, and skill have left fans and opponents alike in awe. Beyond his assists, Messi has scored over 700 career goals, a feat that places him among the elite strikers in football history.
His time at FC Barcelona was marked by numerous trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. After his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi continued to demonstrate his brilliance on the field. His playmaking abilities, coupled with his scoring prowess, make him a dual threat that few defenders can handle.
Messi’s contributions to Argentina’s national team are equally impressive, highlighted by winning the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for the trophy. His humility off the pitch contrasts with his dominance on it, making him a beloved figure worldwide.
Notable mention
- Paul Scholes
- Country: England
- Pele
- Country: Brazil
- Frank Lampard
- Country: England
- Sergio Bisquest
- Country: Spain
- Andrea Pirlo
- Country: Italy
- David Silva
- Country: Spain
- Paul Pogba
- Country: France
- Diego Maradona
- Country: Argentina
- Thiago Alcantara
- Country: Spain
