Top 5 Footballers with Most Assists in Major League Soccer

Since its inception in 1996 with just six teams, Major League Soccer (MLS) has undergone tremendous growth, evolving into one of the largest leagues in global football. It’s no surprise given that the MLS now boasts some of the world’s top football talents, with iconic figures like Lionel Messi currently playing for MLS club Inter Miami. Additionally, the league offers state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities across the United States and Canada, further enhancing its appeal.

While the MLS may need to bolster its business side to compete with the powerhouse leagues worldwide, the quality of players has undeniably risen, leading to positive changes. This increase in talent has made the competition fiercer, pushing players to elevate their skills and creativity. Consequently, the league has become a destination for some of the best footballers, resulting in a spectacle of goals and captivating matches. Here are the top five footballers with most assists in MLS:-

1. Landon Donovan: 136 assists

Landon Donovan is widely regarded as one of the most revered figures in American soccer history, hailed as a true legend of the sport. Throughout his career, the forward earned the MLS MVP award four times and it was even renamed the Landon Donovan MVP award. With a remarkable tally of 136 assists in MLS, Donovan holds the record for the highest number of assists in the league’s history since its inception in 1996.

Before etching his name in the annals of MLS history, Donovan dedicated a significant portion of his formative years to honing his skills in Germany. He eventually moved to the MLS and his contributions to both MLS and the national team have solidified his status as a legend. Donovan ranks as the second most capped US footballer and shares the title of the country’s most prolific goal-scorer alongside Clint Dempsey.

2. Steve Ralston: 135 assists

Steve Ralston began his career in 1996, the same year the MLS began and the American thrived in the league. The midfielder was drafted by the Tampa Bay Mutiny, where he showcased his talent over five years, amassing over 150 appearances for the team. In 2002, Ralston moved to the New England Revolution, where he continued to leave his mark, featuring in 201 games and netting 42 goals during a seven-year spell.

Having earned 36 caps for the American national team, Ralston’s prowess on the field was undeniable, and he solidified his place in MLS history by securing the third position on the all-time assists list with 135 assists. Following his retirement in 2010, Ralston transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the assistant coach for the San Jose Earthquakes.

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3. Brad Davis: 125 assists

Brad Davis, a former American footballer and MLS cult hero, is third on the all-time list for most assists in the league’s history. From Missouri, Davis started with MetroStars in 2002, before joining Dallas Burn and San Jose Earthquakes, each for a season. However, it was in 2006, during the MLS draft day, that Davis found his home with the Houston Dynamo, where he would spend the next decade refining his craft and showcasing his prowess as a left winger.

Throughout his tenure with the Dynamo, Davis made 271 appearances, netting 41 goals, and became a cornerstone of the team’s midfield. His contributions also earned him 17 caps for the USA national team, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable star. Despite a brief stint with Sporting Kansas City in 2015, Davis returned to Houston the following year. However, his second spell at the club saw limited playing time, leading to his retirement after a remarkable 15-year career.

4. Carlos Valderrama: 114 assists

Carlos Valderrama, a former Colombian captain, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning South America, Europe, and eventually the USA with the advent of the MLS in 1996. Known as one of the most iconic figures in Colombian football history, Valderrama clinched the prestigious South American Footballer of the Year title three times, showcasing his talent.

His remarkable international career boasts 111 appearances, which made him the most-capped Colombian player until David Ospina overtook him. Affectionately known as El Pibe, meaning ‘The Kid’, Valderrama graced the MLS with Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, and Colorado Rapids.

Over his six-year tenure, he left his mark as a legend with a staggering tally of 114 assists, securing his place as the fourth-highest assist provider in league history. As a pivotal member of Colombia’s golden generation in the 1990s, El Pibe represented his nation in five Copa America tournaments throughout an incredible 20-year international journey.

5. Preki: 112 assists

Predrag Radosavljević, commonly known as Preki, is a former American national footballer who currently serves as the manager of the Seattle Sounders FC. Starting his career as a central attacking creative midfielder, Preki made his debut with Red Star Belgrade in 1982. Before the inception of the MLS, he played in the Premier League for Everton for two seasons followed by a stint at Portsmouth for a year.

In 1996, when the MLS was established, Preki joined the Kansas City Wizards, where he spent seven out of his final eight competitive years as a footballer, amassing over two hundred appearances for the club. Throughout his MLS tenure, Preki stood out as an influential and creative player, tallying an impressive 112 assists, placing him fifth on the all-time assist list.

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