If you’re new to football or looking to understand how players can contribute beyond scoring goals, this guide will help you get to grips with one of the sport’s most important statistics — the assist.
Assists are not goals, but they help make them possible. They show how one player’s actions can directly help another player score.
This guide explains what an assist is, how it’s recorded, when it became part of football statistics in the UK, and how it’s used in sports betting. You’ll also find examples of some top assist-makers and learn how to read betting markets that involve this stat. Whether you’re watching your first match, or just curious about how football stats work, this guide breaks it down in a way that’s easy to follow.
Early Days: Football’s First Assists
When football was first played in the UK, only the end result — the goal — was counted in match reports. Match data was limited. Early records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries focused on final scores, goalscorers, and appearances. The build-up to a goal — such as a clever pass or smart cross — was rarely noted, even if it was the reason the goal was scored.
During this time, football was more about the outcome than the details of how it happened. Statistics were not seen as tools for understanding performance, so there was no official way to credit players for creating chances.
As tactics changed and passing became more structured, people began to notice the value of playmakers. Creative passes and intelligent positioning started to be appreciated. However, it would take many more decades before assists were formally recorded.
When Premier League Added Assists to the Stats Sheet
The Premier League was formed in 1992. In its early years, statistics were basic. Goals, clean sheets and wins were tracked. That changed when specialist data firms, including Opta, began collecting deeper match insights. This included how goals were created and who was involved in the build-up.
By the 2006/07 season, the Premier League officially began recording assists. This meant the player who helped set up a goal — by passing or providing the final touch — was given credit. It became part of the official matchday data used by broadcasters and analysts.
This shift made it easier to understand a player’s impact, especially for those who weren’t scoring goals, but were vital in creating them. Since then, assists have become part of how fans, coaches and even clubs measure performance.
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How Are Assists Counted in Football Matches?
In the Premier League, an assist is usually given when a player provides the final pass or touch that directly leads to a goal. This could be a pass, a flick, a header or even a cross. The key point is that the team scoring the goal must remain in full possession of the ball throughout the move.
If the ball deflects off an opponent, but isn’t properly cleared or controlled, the assist may still be awarded. However, if the opposing team gains proper possession — such as a controlled pass or clearance — the chain is broken, and no assist is given.
There are situations where no assist is awarded. For example, if a player takes a shot, it’s saved, and then the rebound is scored, that player usually doesn’t get credited with an assist.
Each competition may follow slightly different rules, depending on the data company used. This can cause small differences in the number of assists listed on different websites or broadcasts.
The Role of Defensive Assists
Defenders are often seen as players whose job is to stop goals. But they can also start attacks. A defender might intercept a pass and immediately play a long ball forward that leads to a goal. If that ball directly sets up the scorer without the opposition taking full control in between, it counts as an assist.
These types of assists aren’t recorded separately. There’s no separate label like “defensive assist” in official stats, but it’s something that pundits and commentators may highlight during a match.
This part of the game shows that creativity isn’t limited to midfielders. A well-timed pass from deep in the pitch can be just as effective as a short pass in the penalty area.
Biggest Names Known for Assists
Record-Breaking Assist Figures
Some footballers are especially known for setting up goals. In the Premier League, Ryan Giggs holds the record with 162 assists. He spent his entire top-flight career at Manchester United.
Another example is Cesc Fàbregas, who made a big impact at Arsenal and Chelsea, finishing with 111 assists in the league. His ability to break defensive lines with a pass made him stand out.
Kevin De Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City, has already passed the 100-assist mark in fewer matches than most. His style of play is based on vision and accuracy, and his numbers reflect that.
The number of assists a player makes can depend on their position, how often they play, and how their team attacks. Some players may not score many goals themselves, but are vital in helping others do so.
Betting Markets That Involve Assists
In the UK, many betting companies offer assist markets — these are betting options based on whether you think a player will help set up a goal. These markets are different to goal scorer bets, as they focus on creativity rather than finishing.
Examples of assist bets include:
- “Player to Provide an Assist” – You place a bet on a specific player you think will be officially credited with an assist in the match.
- “Most Assists in a Match” – You bet on which player you think will finish the match with the highest number of assists.
- “Player with Most Assists in a Season” – This is a longer-term bet, known as a futures bet, where you choose who you think will top the assist charts by the end of the season.
- “Assist Multiples” – You place a bet on two or more players to each get an assist in the same game.
Bookmakers use different data providers to settle these bets. One provider may credit a player with an assist, while another may not. It’s important to check a bookmaker’s rules section to understand how they define an assist for that particular market.
Betting on assists carries the same risks as any other form of gambling. Results are not guaranteed. A player may create multiple chances, but not be credited with an assist unless a goal is scored under the right conditions.
If you’re thinking of placing a bet, consider setting a spending limit beforehand. Take regular breaks and treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. If you need support, organisations like BeGambleAware.org offer free, confidential help.
