The 10 best playmakers since 2006 have been named and ranked in the IFFHS’ latest poll.
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics has crowned Lionel Messi as the best playmaker since 2006, with former Barcelona teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez completing the podium.
The IFFHS has held an award for the greatest playmaker of each year since 2006. Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane won it in his final year in 2006, with AC Milan legend Kaka doing so in 2007 before the above-mentioned Barcelona icons controlled proceedings.
Messi (4 times – 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), Iniesta (2 times – 2012, 2013), and Xavi (4 times – 2008 to 2011) have effectively dominated. Real Madrid duo Toni Kroos (2014) and Luka Modric, along with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (2020), are the only ones to beat the Barca trio since 2007.
So, bearing this in mind, it’s no surprise to see Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi ranked as the IFFHS’ best playmakers in the last 15 years.
Although the inclusion of Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar may raise a few eyebrows…
The 10 greatest playmakers since 2006
- Lionel Messi – 245 points
- Andres Iniesta – 197 points
- Xavi – 130 points
- Luka Modric – 114 points
- Kevin De Bruyne – 103 points
- Toni Kroos – 90 points
- Mesut Ozil – 85 points
- Andrea Pirlo – 82 points
- Eden Hazard – 77 points
- Neymar – 71 points
This ranking was determined on a points system based on the list of best playmakers from each year since 2006.
Check out the IFFHS’ best players of the last decade here.
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