Lionel Messi and Pelé are just a couple of names that grace the list of the greatest passers in football history. Passing has always been a crucial aspect of the game, and over the years, we’ve witnessed players who have elevated this skill to an art form.
In this article, we take a look at the players who have defined the art of passing, ranking them from 11. to 1. From the vision of Andrea Pirlo to the precision of Lionel Messi, these players have not only set up goals but have also controlled the tempo of the game with their incredible ability to distribute the ball.
11. Andrea Pirlo (Italy) – 1995–2017
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Andrea Pirlo’s genius on the ball was undeniable, with his ability to dictate play from deep positions. Known for his vision and precision, Pirlo could pick out passes that others couldn’t see. Despite battling injuries late in his career, he remained an essential part of Juventus’ midfield, contributing to both assists and maintaining his high passing accuracy.
Toni Kroos is one of the most reliable passers in modern football, with a career marked by consistency and immense skill in distribution. Whether it’s a long ball or a simple, calculated pass, Kroos has the ability to control the tempo of the game. His contribution to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid’s success speaks volumes about his passing mastery.
Sergio Busquets’ passing is the backbone of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style, and his ability to control the flow of the game is unparalleled. Known for his intelligence and composure under pressure, Busquets reads the game better than most, allowing him to intercept passes and set up play with ease. His legacy includes World Cup and European Championship titles.
8. Zinedine Zidane (France) – 1989–2006
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Zinedine Zidane’s elegance on the ball is legendary, and his passing range matched his skill in controlling the game. Whether threading delicate through balls or launching long passes, Zidane’s vision was a key factor in his ability to orchestrate play, particularly for France and Real Madrid. His creativity was crucial in big matches, including World Cup and Champions League finals.
7. Mesut Özil (Germany) – 2005–2023
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Mesut Özil’s effortless style of play made him one of the most elegant passers of his generation. With a natural ability to provide assists, Özil became known for his precise through balls and impeccable vision. His time at Real Madrid and Arsenal was marked by remarkable assist tallies, showcasing his creativity and technical brilliance.
6. Michael Laudrup (Denmark) – 1981–1998
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Michael Laudrup was a magician with the ball, known for his deft passes and uncanny ability to find space where others saw none. His ability to thread passes through tight defenses made him a key figure for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Laudrup’s playmaking ability was the cornerstone of his illustrious career, and his passes often turned matches in his team’s favor.
Paul Scholes is revered by many as one of the finest midfielders to have ever played the game. His passing was a blend of vision and technical skill, able to dictate play with both short and long-range passes. Scholes’ ability to execute perfect passes under pressure, combined with his relentless work rate, earned him respect from some of the greatest names in football.
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – 2008–Present
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Kevin De Bruyne’s passing ability is among the best in the world today. Known for his remarkable assists and precision, he has revolutionized the way modern midfielders distribute the ball. His ability to make the perfect pass at the perfect moment has been a driving force in Manchester City’s success, particularly with his signature low crosses and long-range deliveries.
3. Xavi Hernández (Spain) – 1997–2019
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Xavi Hernández is synonymous with passing excellence, a player who defined the art of controlling a game through short, precise passes. As the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain’s midfield, Xavi was the metronome that kept the rhythm of play flowing. His impeccable vision and technique led him to over 200 assists, cementing his place as one of the best passers in football history.
2. Pelé (Brazil) – 1956–1977
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Pelé was much more than just a prolific goalscorer; he was also a master at setting up his teammates. His passing was an integral part of his play, with his ability to create space and deliver the perfect pass to assist others. Pelé’s vision on the field was unmatched, and his contributions to Brazil’s World Cup victories highlight his passing brilliance, including the famous assist to Carlos Alberto in the 1970 World Cup final.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest passer in football history, and his stats prove it. Messi has been an assist king throughout his career, with his vision, creativity, and accuracy making him a master at threading passes through the tightest of defenses. Not only can Messi finish off moves, but he is also the one who often starts them, with his unparalleled ability to combine dribbling and passing to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
