Assisting goals

Goalkeepers are rarely the players we associate with imagination in open play. Yet from time to time, a select few have stepped beyond their primary task and influenced matches further up the pitch. These keepers, known for their precise vision and pinpoint distribution, have reshaped what it means to play in goal. Drawing on figures from Transfermarkt, here is a countdown of the 10 keepers with the most assists recorded in the top 10 leagues.

10. Hans van Breukelen: 5 assists

Dutch international Hans van Breukelen was an early pioneer, making five assists in 556 professional games. He notably played for Utrecht, Nottingham Forest and PSV, and was the Netherlands’ starting keeper during their Euro 1988 triumph. Known for his powerful kicking, van Breukelen frequently launched long balls to catch defences off guard. He won the 1988 European Cup with PSV and was one of the most decorated keepers of his era.

8. Sammy Bossut: 5 assists

A one-club man for the bulk of his career, Belgian goalkeeper Sammy Bossut recorded five assists in 473 matches, mostly with Zulte Waregem. He was known for his consistent performances and sharp distribution, using accurate long balls to set up counter-attacks, contributing quietly but effectively from the back. He won the Belgian Cup in 2017 and earned a call-up to Belgium’s 2014 World Cup squad.

7. Antonio Adán: 5 assists*

After emerging at Real Madrid, Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Adán has made five assists across 432 appearances in his club career so far. He enjoyed solid spells at Real Betis, Atlético Madrid and more recently Sporting CP, where he won the Portuguese league title in 2021 and 2025. Known for his long-range distribution, Adán often created chances with direct kicks behind the opposition defence.

6. Jaroslav Drobný: 5 assists

Spending most of his career in Germany, featuring for clubs like Hertha BSC, Hamburg and Werder Bremen, Czech international Jaroslav Drobný also reached five assists across 333 professional games. Drobný was praised for his calm approach and tidy distribution, often finding wingers in space with long passes. He earned seven caps for the Czech Republic and was part of their Euro 2012 squad.

5. Manuel Neuer: 6 assists*

For Schalke and Bayern Munich, Manuel Neuer has made six assists in 764 club matches. Still playing at the highest level, Neuer is widely regarded as having revolutionised the role of the modern goalkeeper. His assists usually begin with quick throws or pinpoint long balls, made possible by his sweeping style and strong positional sense. A World Cup winner in 2014, he has also claimed multiple Bundesliga and Champions League titles.

4. Boy Waterman: 6 assists

Boy Waterman isn’t a name that grabs headlines, but he quietly racked up six assists in just 219 appearances. The Dutch keeper played in the Netherlands, Greece and Cyprus, turning out for AZ Alkmaar, APOEL and OFI Crete, among others. He had a big kick and wasn’t afraid to use it, regularly launching accurate balls over the top. His vision and timing made him a real threat on the counter.

2. Pepe Reina: 7 assists

Reina has also chalked up seven assists – and, until recently, was still going as Como's backup goalkeeper. He made his name at Liverpool with sharp reflexes and even sharper distribution, quickly rolling or launching the ball forward. Reina was never just a shot-stopper – he played like an extra outfielder at times. With major trophies for Spain and a long club career, he’s one of the most respected keepers of his era.

An eye for a pass

Even late into his career, Reina hadn’t lost his eye for a pass; he was constantly scanning for movement, ready to ping it long or throw it short, depending on what the moment calls for. That quick thinking had led to goals throughout his career. Whether in the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A, he always had that playmaker’s instinct.

1. Ederson Moraes: 9 assists*

However, it's Ederson who leads the pack. With nine assists, more than any other goalkeeper in the top ten leagues, he’s basically Manchester City’s first playmaker, setting up attacks from inside his own box. Long-range passes, clipped balls into midfield, laser-accurate diagonals – he’s got the full toolkit. With six Premier League titles and a Champions League under his belt, his passing is as key as his shot-stopping.