Most assists in a Calendar Year

In football, providing the crucial assist is as important as scoring a goal. However the goal scorers get the majority share of the credits, but the players who provided that visionary assist are the ones who create the goal-scoring chances. So let us have a look at the players with the most assists in a calendar year.

Players with the most assists in a calendar year are:

#1. Dusan Tadic - Ajax (37 Assists - 2021)

The Ajax star has surpassed Lionel Messi in terms of assists in a calendar year. He provided 37 assists in 2021, with his record-breaking one coming against AZ Alkmaar. In 2018, Dusan Tadic joined Ajax for just €13.70 million. Since then he has scored 83 goals and provided 82 assists in 171 games. However, this has been the most exciting season for Tadic as he surpassed Lionel Messi's unbeaten record. 

#2. Lionel Messi - Barcelona ( 36 Assists - 2011)

Argentina and former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi had one of the best highlights years of his career. In 2011, that is a decade ago, Messi set the record of providing 36 assists in a single calendar year. Moreover, he also scored 59 goals and all of that in just 70 appearances. With his brilliant efforts, he also won the 2011 Ballon d'Or Award.

#3. Thomas Muller - Bayern Munich (30 Assists - 2021)

The German forward had always been the unsung hero many times over his career, but still, he has been as impactful as any player on the pitch. Thomas Muller has enjoyed a well-flourished career at Bayern Munich, winning a large number of trophies. In 2021, Muller provided the most assists in the Bundesliga in a calendar year.

#4. Angel Di Maria - Paris Saint-Germain (23 assists - 2011)

Another Argentine footballer has been praised for his crucial and match-winning passes. Angel Di Maria has been the man who has provided such match-winning passes. The PSG winger is heavily underrated but his performances didn't go unnoticed. Though he doesn't have a career full of goals in 2011, he amassed a record of 23 assists in Ligue 1.

#5. Thierry Henry - Arsenal (23 assists - 2003)

The Arsenal frontman Thierry Henry is widely considered as one of the greatest strikers in the history of the game, but he was not only a goalscorer but was able to provide the crucial assists for his teammates. The Frenchman was unplayable at his best and in 2003 he provided 23 assists, which just goes to show his versatility.