Which player has the most assists in UEFA Champions League history?

Cristiano Ronaldo has the most assists in UEFA Champions League history. UEFA’s all-time rankings credit him with 42 assists, placing him ahead of Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi and the other leading creators in the competition.

Ronaldo is best known for his scoring records, but his European career also included a substantial playmaking contribution. He developed from a dribbling winger into a forward who could create chances through crosses, cutbacks, through balls and combinations around the penalty area.

His Champions League assists were recorded across spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. That longevity matters: Ronaldo played in the competition across more than a decade and regularly reached the knockout rounds, giving him many high-pressure matches in which to create goals.

Assist totals can vary between statistical providers because older matches were recorded under different definitions of an assist. UEFA’s official competition ranking is the fairest reference for this question. Lionel Messi is a close rival, while Xavi is also among the historic leaders, but neither is listed above Ronaldo in UEFA’s current ranking.