The 10 Greatest Playmakers in Football History – Ranked

June 29, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

While goals win games, it's the playmakers who create magic.
These are the players who see passes no one else can, who control the rhythm of a match with a single touch, and who transform ordinary moments into pure footballing artistry. They may not always grab the headlines like strikers do, but their influence is often the difference between chaos and control.

From elegant pass masters to explosive creators, this list ranks the 10 greatest playmakers the game has ever seen — judged by their vision, assists, longevity, and legacy. Starting at No. 10, we work our way up to the undisputed king of creation.

10. Michel Platini

A goalscoring midfielder with a sharp eye for a pass, Platini set the tone for European playmakers in the late '70s and '80s. He led both France and Juventus during their golden eras and won three consecutive Ballon d'Ors. Despite his scoring prowess, it was his vision that separated him from the rest.

9. Zico

Zico was Brazil’s first modern midfield maestro, equally skilled with both feet and gifted with flair and imagination. His assists and technical brilliance paved the way for future playmakers, even if he never won a major title with Brazil. A true pioneer of the No.10 role.

8. David Silva

Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Nicknamed “El Mago,” Silva made the extraordinary look effortless at Manchester City. His calmness under pressure and masterful control of tempo defined an era for the club. With over 100 Premier League assists, he was the quiet genius behind City’s rise.

7. Juan Román Riquelme

Riquelme was the embodiment of the classic South American No.10 — slow, deliberate, and utterly magical. He orchestrated games with his mind and feet, thriving at Boca Juniors and leaving his mark in Spain with Villarreal. He turned playmaking into an art form.

6. Andrés Iniesta

Andres Iniesta — Photo: Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

Iniesta was more than a pass master; he was a game-winner with a poetic style. As the most advanced in Barça’s legendary midfield trio, he linked play with Messi and co. to devastating effect. His balance, control, and timing made him a midfield magician.

5. Kaká

Graceful yet powerful, Kaká lit up Europe with his ability to glide past defenders and deliver killer passes. His 2007 Ballon d’Or victory crowned a peak where he was untouchable, particularly during his time at AC Milan. Injuries held him back later, but his brilliance was undeniable.

4. Kevin De Bruyne

Few players have combined precision and creativity like De Bruyne. With a record-breaking assists-per-game ratio in the Premier League, his pinpoint deliveries and intelligent movement have redefined the modern playmaker. A true architect of City’s dominance.

3. Diego Maradona

One of football’s most iconic figures, Maradona blended unmatched dribbling with elite playmaking ability. He had vision, flair, and a supernatural connection with the ball. His leadership and brilliance led Napoli and Argentina to unforgettable triumphs.

2. Mesut Özil

Özil made assisting an art — and a priority. Whether for Real Madrid, Arsenal, or Germany, his through-balls and vision were second to none. Known for preferring assists over goals, he epitomized the unselfish genius of the true No.10.

1. Lionel Messi

No one sees the game like Messi. While he's famed for his goals, his passing and vision make him the greatest playmaker ever. From Barcelona to Paris and now Miami, he delivers assists with surgical precision, redefining what a playmaker can be — and setting the standard for generations to come.