Ronaldo, Messi, Ozil: Players with most assists in each completed season of the 21st century

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Mesut Ozil
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Mesut Ozil

2016/17 season - Neymar (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
FC Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Games: 45, Assists: 26

Neymar had formed an incredible partnership with the then Barcelona attackers, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The Brazilian not only scored 20 goals that season, he also contributed an incredible 26 assists.

Neymar was at his brilliant best during Barcelona's stunning 6-1 comeback against PSG in the UEFA Champions League that season, playing a starring role and assisting Sergi Roberto's last-minute winner.

However, this season proved to be Neymar's last season at Barcelona as he secured a world record transfer to PSG in 2017. Neymar and Messi have reunited at PSG once again and it will be interesting to see how the duo combine this season.


2017/18 season - Dimitri Payet (Marseille)

Olympique de Marseille Training Session - UEFA Europa League Final Previews
Olympique de Marseille Training Session - UEFA Europa League Final Previews

Games: 47, Assists: 23

Dimitri Payet just does not seem to get the respect he deserves. One of the most talented attacking midfielders of this generation, Payet has been Marseille's key player in the last few seasons.

In the 2017/18 season, the former West Ham man was at his creative best grabbing an incredible 23 assists throughout the season.

Payet's good form inspired Marseille into the UEFA Europa League final where they lost to Atletico Madrid. Now 34, Payet will be hoping to put in some influential performances for Marseille this season.


2018/19 season - Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)

De Graafschap v Ajax - Eredivisie
De Graafschap v Ajax - Eredivisie

Games: 49, Assists: 24

Ajax captured every football fan's imagination with their beautiful football which included a stunning run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final in the 2018/19 season. Key to their attacking play was the insightful passing and brilliant vision of Moroccan Hakim Ziyech.

The winger is one of the few people on this list who managed the double of scoring 20+ goals and grabbing 20+ assists in the same season.

The young Ajax team went on to win the Eredivise and KNVB Cup. They, however, suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League semi-finals of the 2018/19 season.

Ziyech will be hoping to rediscover his best form at his current club, Chelsea.


2019/20 season - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad - La Liga
FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad - La Liga

Games: 44, Assists: 27

The only player to feature thrice on this list, Lionel Messi had another glorious season in 2019/20 scoring 30+ goals and grabbing 25+ assists.

Although Messi's numbers were truly phenomenal, this season was painful for Barcelona as they failed to win a single trophy.

Barcelona's 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League destroyed their season completely. They finished second in La Liga behind Real Madrid, with Lionel Messi's brilliance the only bright spot of a difficult season.


2020/21 season - Dusan Tadic (Ajax)

Vitesse v Ajax - KNVB Cup Final
Vitesse v Ajax - KNVB Cup Final

Games: 51, Assists: 26

Dusan Tadic's performances at Ajax have been nothing short of extraordinary. After an indifferent spell at Southampton, Tadic really found his footing at Ajax, where his performances have helped the Dutch giants establish domestic supremacy once again.

Last season, Tadic led from the front as he scored an incredible 22 goals and grabbed 26 assists, inspiring Ajax to a league and cup double.

Tadic has started this season strongly as well and will be hoping to continue contributing goals and assists.

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Edited by Ashwin
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