Arsenal signed their wonder kid, Charlie Patino with £10,000 at the age of 11 years only. Recently Arsenal played vs Sunderland and won with a margin of 5-1. Everyone was phenomenal in the team but the star of the moment was Charlie Patino.

Read also: Most Goals in the Top Flight by Clubs

The 18-year-old netted a goal on his debut match against Sunderland. Along with him, Eddie Nketiah scored a hat-trick and Nicolas Pepe scored a goal with 2 assists. Charlie Patino was chosen as a substitute for the match. Patino entered the field in the 80th-minute by replacing Emile Smith Rowe. The England Under-19 netted his first goal in the 91st minute of the game by converting Pepe's cross into the corner to cap. Also, he became the youngest player to net a goal on his Arsenal debut match since Jon Sammels. Jon did the same long back in 1963.

The Arsenal boss was in all praise on Charlie Patino's heavenly debut. He said, "Charlie is a kid that is coming through our system, a lovely kid. He is training with us almost every week. It was a dream. As a debut to come here, to score in front of our fans, a really special moment."

Read also: FIFA president claims a football world cup every two years is surely now a possibility

Charlie is a central midfielder and likes to operate as a No. 8. made his Under-23 debut before the age of 18. There is a high chance that the teenage footballer follow the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Bukayo Saka, and Emile Smith Rowe and become a star from Arsenal's Hale End academy.

Patino's father hails from Spain. Therefore his style of play is majorly influenced by his roots. Andres Iniesta, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, and Mikel Arteta are his idols and their playing style is a huge part of his own game. Brian Stapleton, the Arsenal scout saw Patino for the first time when he was playing for Luton Town. He said, "Sean O'Connor discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End. The kid has got so much potential, but he's not there yet. There is a pathway that Arsenal have got for him and he's probably going down the same pathway as Phil Foden at Manchester City."

He further added, "Charlie has an amazing awareness of where he is on the pitch and where other players are on the pitch. His vision is so good, he can split a defence with a pass. And he has that desire to do well. When he's on that pitch he can be an animal, he's a winner."

There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.

In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

What will be the ranking factors?

• Trophies they conquered
• Recent success
• Longevity in this sport
• Performance compared to expectations

10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:

10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:

Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas. 

Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:

• 4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
• 2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)

9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:

While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.

Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:

• 1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
• 1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
• 4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)

8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:

Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.

The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.

Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
• 1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
• 1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)

7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:

One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title. 

Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:

• 2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
• 2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
• 2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
• 2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)

6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:

Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.

 If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.

Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:

• 2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
• 2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
• 3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
• Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.

 Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.

Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)

4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:

To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.

Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
• 3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
• 2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
• 1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
• -5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach

3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:

After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.

Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.

Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
• 1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)

2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:

As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti will leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.

The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:

• 5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
• 1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
• 1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
• 1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
• 2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)

1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:

Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.

Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.

Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:

• 3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
• 4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
• 3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
• 3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
• 6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• 4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
• 2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
• 2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
• 3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
• 4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
• 3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)

Many great players have taken the football pitch and left the fans in awe. However, only a few players have gone on to win various trophies in their careers. In this special article, we will take a look at an elite list of players who have won the most trophies in football as a player. 

Argentine football star Lionel Messi is the player with most trophies in football history. In his career so far, with club and country, he has won 46 major trophies. Moreover, he is one of the very few players to win FIFA World Cup. Ballon d'Or, and UEFA Champions League in his career. 

But, yes, the below list only counts the major trophies won with teams and only only individual awards. We wanted to be clear with that at the start. With this list of "11 players who have won the most trophies in football history," we will able to judge which player has been a part of a winning team mostly. 

Though, it is not always the case that when you win a trophy, you have a big role to play in that. But, in this list, all the players listed always had big contributions to their team's success. So, without further a due, let's checkout the list. 

Top 11 players with the most trophies in football:

11. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)

Vitor Baia spent most of his career with FC Porto except playing two years for Barcelona. Baia started his career with FC Porto in 1988 and left the club to join Barcelona in 1996. 

Before retiring in 2007, he played for Barcelona in two stints and won the La Liga in 1997-98 season. His most success came his boyhood club FC Porto, where he won the Liga Portugal 10 times.

However, the biggest achievement was to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004 with the Dragons. Under the visionary eyes of Jose Mourinho, they created one of the greatest underdog success stories in European football.

In a total, Baia won 25 trophies with the Porto while adding the rest to his collection of glories for Barcelona. Unfortunately, he was not able to add any trophy while playing for Portugal.

10. Kenny Dalglish (34 trophies)

Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool's one of the most legendary players. Apart from playing 13 years for the Reds, he played for Celtic for 8 years at the start of his career.

For Liverpool FC, he won a club record 8 Premier League titles along with three Champions League titles. He had won 7 English Super Cups and 2 FA Cup titles as well.

While playing for Celtic, he became the Scottish Champion four times.

9. Angel di Maria (35 trophies)

One of the most underrated players in modern football history, Di Maria always had to shine under the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Di Maria played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina and then shared club dressing room with Cristiano at Real Madrid.

With his latest trophy for Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, he now has won 35 trophies in his career. Di Maria won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG and won his only Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Read Also | Football facts: 10 players who have played most games with Lionel Messi

However, just like Lionel Messi, his international success bloomed late in his career. He won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. But, his major success was to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored an important in the final.

Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America final.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (35 trophies)

Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 35 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Al-Nassr FC as he helped them win the United Arab Club Champions Cup 2023.

Ronaldo, who started his club career with Sporting CP, won the Portuguese Super Cup with the club in 2003. That was the start to a historical career which gave football fans joy for over two decades.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

The Portuguese legend flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid where he won four of his five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won a title for every club he has played for so far.

However, one of his biggest achievements as a player was to win the UEFA Euro Cup with Portugal in 2016. Beside scoring over 900 career goals, Ronaldo's success for every team is what makes him a legend.

7. Ryan Giggs (37 trophies)

Ryan Giggs played all his life for one football club; Manchester United. In his 24-year career at the club, he won a total of 37 trophies, a record for the club.

Not only that, with 13 Premier League titles, he is league's most successful player ever. With the Red Devils, he also went on to win two UEFA Champions League title.

For United, he played 963 games and has 168 goals and 265 assists, another record for United.

6. Sergio Busquets (38 Trophies)

Sergio Busquets, the FC Barcelona and Spain legend is one of the most underrated players ever to play. The central defender was part of one of the greatest international team which won 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Euros for Spain.

Read Also: Barcelona team that won "EVERYTHING" in 2009: Busquets to leave as the last man of that team

The former Barcelona captain won 9 La Liga titles. Not only that, he won 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups as well for the Catalan club.

However, his biggest achievement in club football was to win three UCL titles for Barcelona. His latest trophy is the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners with Inter Miami CF.

5. Maxwell (38 trophies)

Maxwell, the Brazilian left back might be the only unknown player on this list. The defender achieved most of his success playing for PSG in France.

However, he found success with FC Barcelona as well. But, joined PSG to find more chances as well.

Maxwell's first trophy was with Cruzeiro, winning the Brazilian Cup in 2000. Soon the joined Ajax, wining two Dutch League titles.

His move to Barcelona via Inter Milan and FC Empoli saw him winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2011. But his most success came with PSG, winning the Ligue 1 four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.

Read Also: Messi vs Ronaldo: The hat-trick battle

4. Gerard Pique (39 trophies)

Another player from that legendary Spanish and Barcelona team, who features in this list. Although known for his career at FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique had success with Manchester United as well.

It might be quite revealing for many that, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, against whom he had some tough battles later.

Read Also | Reliving Barcelona's Golden Era: A Tribute to Footballing Brilliance

Pique won 9 La Liga titles for Barcelona to go with 3 UCL titles for the club. But before reaching there he had won the Premier League and Champions League for United in the 2007-08 season.

He was also an integral part of the Spanish team which won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro in 2012.

3. Andres Iniesta (39 trophies)

Probably the best midfielder of the modern era, Andres Iniesta with 41 trophies is the third most successful footballer ever.

Another important player of that iconic Spanish and Barcelona team, Iniesta found success early in his career. He won his first major trophy with Spain U-17 team winning the U-17 Euros in 2000. He followed that up with the U-19 Euro title next year.

His Barcelona career started in 2002 which continued till 2018. In those 17 year at Barcelona, he won 32 trophies. Post that, he joined Japanese club Viseel Kobe where he won three trophies as well.

Read Also | Andres Iniesta: Who has won the most trophies for FC Barcelona?

Along with all club level success, Iniesta's greatest achievement was to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside lifting the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cup. His goal in the 2010 World Cup final to hand Spain their first-ever World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup moments.

Iniesta called it a day in 2024 after spending a year at the Emirates Club. 

2. Dani Alves (43 trophies)

Before Lionel Messi took over as the player with most trophies in football history, it was Dani Alves who had the record. The defender won 23 trophies in eight years at Barcelona.

Dani Alves won six La Liga and three Champions League titles with Barcelona. He then won 19 more titles while playing for Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo. He won domestic titles in Italy, France, Brazil and Spain as, which makes him one of the greatest of his era.

Read Also: All the FIFA World Cup winners and runners-up since 1930

The defender won six major titles with his national team, Brazil. He started his Brazil career by winning the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003. Alves then won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. He concluded his international career by winning the Olympic gold in 2021.

Despite the recent off-field controversies, with 43 trophies in his cabinet, Dani Alves is one of the greatest ever to play the game.

1. Lionel Messi (46 trophies)

Leo Messi is the player with the most trophies in football history. With his latest triumph at the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, the magician from Argentina won his 46th trophy in his career.

Messi won back-to-back four international trophies with Argentina within three years. He won the Copa America 2021 and then went on to win the Finalissima 2022. Then he capped off his greatest achievement by winning FIFA World Cup 2022.

The Argentine maestro has also won the Olympic Gold Medal with his country in 2008. His latest international success came in Copa America 2024.

In club football history, Messi is the most successful player with 41 club trophies to his name. He started his career with his boyhood club Barcelona and played 18 seasons for the club, scoring a record 672 goals.

Read Also | Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. Alongside European success, he won 10 La Liga titles as well, most for Barcelona. He has also won Spanish Cup seven times.

After his great stint at Barcelona, Messi went to the French League to play for PSG. However, he was unable to bring the UCL to the French giant, he won the French League with them. In addition, he won the French Super Cup for the season 2022-23 with PSG.

Numerous World-Class Stars enlightened the field with goal creation during those famous European nights, without whom such world-class goals would never have been scored. Thus, along with those stunning goals, it's important to know about the players who produce those assists. In this article, we will discuss about the players with most assist in Champions League history.

Most assist in Champions League history

There were many star players on the list, so it's not easy to discuss all of them in one go. But it's possible to discuss some of them. Let's analyze the top ten players with the most assists in the history of the UEFA Champions League:

10. Kevin de Bruyne, 29 Assists

Kevin De Bruyne is known for playing the superb ball into dangerous areas to create high-quality or great chances for his teammates. His quick thinking and passing skills put his name in the 10th position on the list of most assists in the history of the Champions League.

In his Champions League career, he assists 29 times while playing with Manchester City, Chelsea, and KRC Genk. He lifted the Champions League 2022/23 title with Manchester City.

 9. Andres Iniesta, 29 Assists

Like his partner in crime Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta also has his name on the list of most assists in Champions League history, just one behind his former teammate Xavi who had 29 UCL assists. 

The Spaniard became the first man to create a goal in three separate Champions League finals. The Barcelona legend played 130 Champions League matches and won the title four times along with the Sextuple in 2009.

Read Also | Barcelona 2008/09 vs Man City 2022/23 - which Pep Guardiola treble team is better?

8. Karim Benzema, 29 Assists 

Best known for his goalscoring ability, Karim Benzema became the oldest player to score consecutive hat-tricks in the Champions League in 2022/23. The Frenchman made a total of 29 assists in his overall Champions League Career while playing for Olympique Lyon and Real Madrid. 

Benzema played in 152 Champions League games and was part of the famous B-B-C combination which made Real Madrid one of the greatest teams of the modern era. 

Read Also | MSN vs BBC: Rivalry of football's greatest trio in stats

7. Thomas Muller, 30 Assists

Thomas Muller is one of the most consistent performers in Bayern Munich. Regarded as one of the most underrated players in football history, Muller till now has managed 30 assists in the Champions League.

He managed to win the Champions League twice with Bayern Munich in 2012-13 and 2019-20 respectively. Muller holds the 7th position on the list with the most assists in Champions League history. 

Read Also | 5 best Champions League matches between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich

6. Xavi Hernandez, 30 Assists

A superb youth product of Barcelona like Messi, Xavi Hernandez could be considered one of the all-time best midfielders in Football history.

The Spaniard played a record 767 games for a single club, Barcelona. He is popularly known for his knack for playing crucial passes for his teammates and ended up providing 200 assists, out of which 30 are from the Champions League.

Read Also | Xavi's record and stats as the manager of FC Barcelona

5. Ryan Giggs, 31 Assists

He appeared in the Champions League 145 times and assisted 30 times in his Champions League career. He is the academy product of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United Team and played a key part in the 1999 and 2008 Champions League triumphs.

Gigs is a true legend and could be considered an all-time great in European Football history. Throughout his Champions League Career, he had represented Manchester United only.

4. Neymar, 33 Assists

Neymar is regarded as one of the best players in modern football. He won the treble with Barcelona in the 2014/15 season. Neymar, with his tricky skills, managed to assist 33 times precisely for his teammates in his entire Champions League career.

The Brazilian played for Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League. Neymar is the youngest player on the list and could possibly make a comeback in the European Club football.

3. Lionel Messi, 40 Assists

Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest passers in world football, but it took seven matches for him to get the first Champions League assist.

In his illustrious Champions League Career, he played for Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain and holds the third position in the list of the top 10 most assists in the history of the Champions League with 40 assists. 

The Argentine great though is the player with the most assists in football history. 

Read Also | Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

2. Angel De Maria, 41 Assists

Di Maria holds the second position on the list with 41 assists. During his entire Champions League career, he played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, and Benfica. Although, he managed to win the competition just once.

His most recent goal-creation against AS Monaco for Benfica took him one ahead of his friend Messi. Though he is 36 now, he still has time to claim the top spot because he is just one behind Ronaldo.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, 42 Assists

Discussing the Champions League and "MR Champions League" is not on the list that is not possible! Though Cristiano is popularly known for his goal-scoring ability, the Portuguese International also tops the list in goal creation for his teammates in Europe's most prestigious competition.

Ronaldo tops the list with 42 assists and played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in the process while winning the title five times. Not to forget he also has the record for most goals in the Champions League (140) as well. 

The final list

Read Also | Top 10 Indian-origin footballers who could represent India, if OCI and PIO players were permitted

So that concludes the Top 10 List for the Most Assists in the History of Champions League. There are other names that also deserve credit in terms of the best European talents and brilliant assist makers we have ever witnessed like Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and many more. 

However, they remain just beyond the players mentioned on the list. Who is your favourite assist maker in the world of football? Let me know.

In a press conference on Monday, December 23rd, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for 'many weeks' after sustaining a hamstring injury during Arsenal's 5-1 crushing over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. 

The England forward was seen staying down on the ground and he required medical treatment only 22 minutes into the game. Leandro Trossard replaced Saka, who left the pitch while limping; in a severe discomfort. 

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will face a spell on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/xFMaNq0ZR0

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024

Saka later exited the Selhurst Park stadium on crutches after the match ended and Gunners' fans were distraught after his injury blow. Arteta has now confirmed that Saka has torn the muscle and is set to be sidelined for a significant period.

Arteta briefed the issue in the press conference

Mikel Arteta did not sidestep his worries regarding this huge injury blow as he described it as a 'huge blow' for the team. Arteta stated:

It’s not looking good," he said. "He’s going to be out for many weeks.

It’s another part of the development of a player. At some stage at this level you're going to get injured - unfortunately badly. It could have been much worse. It could have been something else that can take you out for a year.

It’s how you react to that, how you overcome that situation and it’s a great learning process for him as well. It is what it is. He's injured, we cannot change it. We're going to use this time now to help him.

I'm very optimistic that he will be back before the end of the season.

Arsenal will miss their best player this season

Bukayo Saka has been on cloud nine this season, putting brilliant performances across all competitions for Arsenal. The 23-year-old has been directly involved in 15 of Arsenal's 34 Premier League goals this season, scoring 5 and assisting 10 in 16 matches. 

Saka has brought his expertise to show on the Champions League nights as well, scoring 4 goals and assisting 2 in 5 appearances.

It will be a challenge for Arteta to execute something excluding Saka on the frontline; he must find a replacement to take on the all-important UCL clashes and most of the remainder of the ongoing Premier League. 

Arteta placed Gabriel Martinelli to the right wing to replace Saka during Saturday's match against Palace, moving Gabriel Jesus down the middle and Leandro Trossard coming on to the left wing.

Another winger, Raheem Sterling is also announced to be out of service after sustaining an injury in a training session on Friday. Arteta remarked on the limitation of his options but said that he would try different things. 

That's the first one we went through, especially because he's (Marinelli) played there before, he played the last match there against Everton and the last match of the season. He did really well. He did really well the other day, he scored a goal and created an assist and is a good option to have.

Gabby (Jesus) has played there. Ethan (Nwaneri) has played there. Leo (Trossard) can play there in relation to how that unit moves. Kai can play there, asking him different things. We will see, try different things and ask how they feel about it."

We went through the period with Martin (Odegaard) and the time when we had five or six defenders missing. We're taking it with positive energy.

We started the season with one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League. We knew that. OK, so what do we need? I really dig into that, you know? To make sure that we utilise every player to their best potential.

Everyone has to feel part of it, you need to rediscover players in different positions, relationships. It's a great one, it's a good exercise. And the boys are willing, so that's a really good thing as well.

Arsenal vs. Manchester United has been a feature of the Premier League schedule from the ferocious matches of the Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson era to current matchups involving up-and-coming talents. This rivalry is more than just a game; it's a display of pride, football history, and the ongoing struggle for dominance between two of the best teams in England.

Match Details

Match: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Date: 04/12/2024

Time: 1:30 am (IST)

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England.

Match Preview:

Struggles have marked Manchester United's season, but the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim has sparked a remarkable turnaround. The team is yet to lose under his leadership, with many attributing this resurgence to the "new manager bounce" phenomenon, where players step up to prove their worth. However, there is a noticeable improvement in United's attacking play beyond this initial lift. Amorim's high-intensity pressing and reliance on hardworking full-backs have added a new dimension to their game. Critics argue that the teams he has faced so far are not the strongest, making Arsenal his first real test.

💬 "They are in a different moment."

Ruben looks ahead to Arsenal on Wednesday 👁️#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2024

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, this fixture holds special significance. In 2020, he masterminded a historic victory at Old Trafford, breaking a 14-year winless streak on United's turf, courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty. Despite Arsenal's progress under Arteta, Manchester United remains a formidable challenge.

This season, Arsenal has shown marked improvement, thanks to smart recruitment that has made the team more fluid in transitions and versatile in positional play. The ability to invert both flanks has added unpredictability to their build-up, making them a more cohesive and dangerous side.

Amorim faces a tactical dilemma heading into this match. Should he stick to his system, knowing Arsenal dismantled a Sporting Lisbon side built on his principles, or tweak his approach to counter Arteta's strengths? Balancing his philosophy with United's gradual adaptation to his style will be critical.

⏪ Last time out against Manchester United in the Premier League...

A winner from the birthday boy! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/TLJEbWW11S

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024

On paper, Arsenal appears the favourite, barring any late injuries that have frequently disrupted their season. However, if Amorim can exploit counterattacking opportunities and disrupt Arsenal's rhythm by limiting their time on the ball, United could pose significant problems.

For football enthusiasts, this midweek clash promises to be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy two contrasting styles of play from two historic clubs.

Head-to-Head Stats:

In the last 5 matches Arsenal has gotten the better of Manchester United 3 times with the last being a 1-0 win at the Old Trafford earlier in April this year, while the latter have won the other 2 leaving no room for a draw. however, the sides will face each other 3 times this season with the first one happening today. Below is the head-to-head record since 1995.

Total matches: 70

Arsenal: 23

Manchester United: 31

Draws: 16

Team News

Arsenal

While Arsenal has shown resilience in recent weeks, key players remain on the sidelines. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been absent since October 5th, following a 3-1 victory over Southampton, and Ben White is still recovering after undergoing knee surgery.

Midfield stalwart Thomas Partey, one of Arsenal's most consistent performers this season, missed the recent game against West Ham due to a recurring muscle issue. Although he seemed to have overcome this problem earlier in the season, concerns remain about his long-term fitness. The club is optimistic, however, that his absence will not be prolonged.

Additionally, both Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhães have been managing fitness struggles. Gabriel, in particular, has been restricted to just 45 minutes in Arsenal's last two matches. The Brazilian defender first showed signs of discomfort during the Liverpool game, where he was substituted early in the second half.

On a brighter note, Kieran Tierney's return offers a welcome boost. After a summer transfer attempt failed, he has been reintegrated into the squad and is back to full fitness. His availability comes at a critical time, with fixtures piling up and Arsenal needing all hands on deck.

Manchester United

Amorim faces a selection headache with the suspension of English midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, both sidelined after picking up five yellow cards. These players have been instrumental in implementing the manager's playing philosophy since his arrival. Additionally, the availability of Leny Yoro, Johnny Evans, and Victor Lindelof remains uncertain, further complicating the situation.

Read Also | Ruben Amorin to Man United: What will happen to Erik's Ajax boys at United?

Key Players to Watch

Bukayo Saka

Throughout the 2024–2025 campaign, Bukayo Saka has consolidated his place among Arsenal's and England's top players with 10 assists and 5 goals in 12 matches. His on-field leadership, creativity, and consistency have all been combined to create truly outstanding performances.

Saka's offensive contribution continues to be an essential part of Arsenal's success. With numerous goals and assists, he has played a key role in breaking down defences, particularly in close games when his ability to float past opponents and produce accurate crosses or finishes has been crucial.

Another significant strength has been his adaptability; Saka has fit in well whether used on the right flank, in a more central position, or even sliding deeper to influence build-up play.

What sets this season apart is the increased maturity in his game. Saka has taken on greater responsibility, often stepping up in crucial moments, and with his ability to maintain composure under pressure, he will definitely pose a significant threat to the United Defence.

Read Also | The most shocking goal misses in Football history

Amad Diallo

Under Ruben Amorim, Diallo secured his position as a vital player by putting on strong performances weekly after being overlooked in prior seasons with his involvement coming only as a squad rotation player.

United's attacking dynamics have greatly benefited from Diallo's rise and creative ability. He has shown remarkable dribbling skills, quick feet, and an eye for goal while playing mainly as a winger. Defences have struggled to keep up with his cutting inside from wide areas and unleashing strong shots or threading clever passes.

He will be an effective tactical weapon heading into this game for United

Possible Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya (GK), Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka

Manchester United: Andre Onana (GK), Dalot, De Ligt, Mazroui, Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee, Diallo