Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal left behind: Fans stunned as surprise tops soccer elite in total assists in 2025

While familiar icons like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe continue to dominate headlines, the assist charts have delivered a quiet shock: a new name has risen above them both, redefining what elite playmaking looks like this year.

The balance of power in modern soccer is often measured by goals, speed, and star power. Yet in 2025, one of the most revealing metrics tells a different story. Across all first divisions, domestic competitions, continental tournaments, and international soccer, creativity has become the true currency.