Ronaldo, Messi, Muller: The Champions League XI with the most assists in its history

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player in Champions League history.

Regardless of where you rank the Manchester United superstar in the GOAT debate more generally, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to argue that he’s not the top dog in UEFA’s flagship competition.

Ronaldo has lifted the trophy more than any other player since its 1992 branding – including four triumphs in five seasons with Real Madrid – while also scoring the most goals in finals during that period.

In fact, not only is the Portuguese icon the all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League, but he has also delivered more assists than any other player across the tournament’s modern era.

While Ronaldo’s goalscoring exploits are no secret to anybody, it really goes to show just how complete of a footballer he truly is when he also boasts the status of being the competition’s greatest ever creator.

According to UEFA’s official statistics, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can lay claim to no less than 42 assists on the continental stage, which is six more than his eternal rival Lionel Messi.

The Paris Saint-Germain star might have a stronger reputation for his playmaking skills and ability to lay on assists, but even his creative genius can’t quite topple Ronaldo in his favourite competition of all.

Nevertheless, Messi’s second-place finish still means that he takes pride of place alongside Ronaldo in the Champions League XI to have produced the most assists in its history.

And we say that because the data gurus over at Transfermarkt have crunched the numbers this week to find out which players in each position have laid on the most Champions League assists since 1992.

In other words, the creative magic from Messi and Ronaldo at the top end of the pitch are