It is well known by now that Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are locked in a battle for the ages at this World Cup, with both finalists from the previous tournament going toe-to-toe to stake their claim as the competition’s all-time top goalscorer. But what about the players with the most goals and assists combined?

That, of course, is a question not many can answer, with so many stars capable of offering the best of both worlds in attack – either leading the line as a talisman or creating golden opportunities for their teammates in a selfless bid to drive their country towards World Cup glory. Mbappe and Messi naturally still feature, but the rest of the list is anyone’s guess.

Below are the players who have gone above and beyond in the final third, separating the complete forwards from the pure goalscorers and proving that the biggest impact is not always measured by goals alone.

Players With Most Goal Contributions At World Cup Since 1998

10. Rivaldo – 11 (Goals: 8 | Assists: 3)

Rivaldo is one of ten players to have won the World Cup, the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazil players of all time. He only played in two World Cups in the timeline these stats account for, which is an outstanding indictment of just how good he was in his pomp.

9. Neymar – 12 (Goals: 9 | Assists: 3)

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/Action Images

From one brilliant Brazilian to another, Neymar may get a bit of a bad rap nowadays because of his woeful injury record, but the tricky winger never let his country down when fit. A story of ‘what could have been’ as he never realised his Ballon d’Or potential, the former Barcelona star has still had an exceptional career.

8. Ivan Perisic – 13 (Goals: 7 | Assists: 6)

Instrumental to Croatia’s second golden generation, the Split-born Ivan Perisic is the player with the most goal contributions at major tournaments with 18 involvements for the Balkan nation. Of those, 13 came during World Cups, with him being an inventive part of the team that reached the 2018 World Cup final.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo – 13 (Goals: 11 | Assists: 2)

Reuters/Jerome Miron

There’s no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time – after all, he is football’s top goalscorer, and is bound to stay at the top of that pedestal for a long, long time. But what limits him on this list is that he has the lowest assist tally, with the former Real Madrid icon clearly a little selfish in nature compared to his rivals.

6. Thomas Muller – 16 (Goals: 10 | Assists: 6)

Thomas Muller concluded his spectacular international career with 131 caps and 45 goals, having been the Golden Boot winner in the 2010 World Cup and a key figure in Germany’s 2014 triumph. A reliable, all-action attacking midfielder, he’s the kind of player the modern day Die Mannschaft are missing in their pursuit of renewed glory.

5. Harry Kane – 18 (Goals: 14 | Assists: 4)

Hannah Mckay via Reuters

There’s every reason to believe Harry Kane might just be England’s greatest-ever player. The Bayern Munich man is a goal machine of the highest order, and the only thing he’s missing is captaining the Three Lions to their second star. If anyone’s going to do it, it’s almost certainly the country’s all-time record goalscorer.

4. Ronaldo – 19 (Goals: 15 | Assists: 4)

Image via Reuters

With eight goal contributions in the 1998 World Cup before an injury ruled him out of the final, then a further eight goals to win both the Golden Boot and the title four years later, how good Ronaldo would have been without fitness issues will forever remain one of football’s biggest mysteries. He won two Ballon d’Or mantles, and that’s almost solely down to his international superstardom.

3. Miroslav Klose – 20 goals (Goals: 16 | Assists: 4)

Before the 2026 edition, Miroslav Klose held the record for the most World Cup goals. “Give him the ball, and he will do the rest” has never quite matched a player’s traits than it does with the German legend, whose movement and clinical edge were a sight to behold on the world stage.

2. Kylian Mbappe – 26 (Goals: 20 | Assists: 6)

Reuters/Kyle Ross

With age on his side (he’s 27), Kylian Mbappe should be determined to one day top this list, perhaps even by a runaway margin. His record at World Cups is just phenomenal, having won it in 2018, scored a hat-trick in the final in 2022, and is now well in the mix for a Golden Boot this year. He’s the current Ballon d’Or favourite as a result.

1. Lionel Messi – 30 (Goals: 21 | Assists: 9)

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Mr inevitable. Lionel Messi has the most goals on this list, as well as the most assists, with him single-handedly supercharging Argentina’s triumph at the last World Cup. This time around, the landscape has barely changed, with only two of his nation’s goals not being as a result of his contribution.

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt & PopFoot (correct as of 11/07/2026)

Tragic reports have stated that South African footballer Jayden Adams has passed away. The midfielder had only recently been competing for his nation at the 2026 World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star, only 25, had been key for Bafana Bafana this summer, starting the first two matches of the tournament, while also appearing in the third group game before his team were knocked out.

His club confirmed the news, writing: “It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.” While the South African Football Players Union reacted to the tragic reports in a statement, which read: “Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams’ Girlfriend Shared Proud Message Ahead of World Cup

Mandel Ngan via Reuters

Adams had reposted an image with his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, online less than one day before his passing. Not only that, but just before the tournament began, she shared a proud message on Instagram, which is heartbreaking to read now.

His partner – with whom he reportedly shares a 5-year-old daughter – had written:

“Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride. From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.

“This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud. Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.

“‘Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.’ — Proverbs 16:3.”

Statement Issued on Behalf of Adams’ Family

Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in action with South Africa’s Jayden Adams via REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

As quoted by Goal, Adams’ mentor, Brendine Johnson, has now spoken out on behalf of the family to confirm the heartbreaking news. She said: “At this moment, things are still raw, you know, things are still raw.

“The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now, they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone. “This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then got such news, you know.

“I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.

“He doesn’t waste time away, being at home with his family. So at this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected. “Yes, I can tell you that he passed on. Nobody expected this.”

Everton are said to be considering a deal for one of Newcastle United’s most reliable players as they look to build on last season’s momentum. The Toffees had a very different feel about them last season, and while they did miss out on Europe when all was said and done, they showed signs of being capable to achieve the feat in the near future.

But David Moyes, armed with decades of experience, will know that a strong transfer window will be required to ensure Everton are back in the mix next season. The Toffees want Jack Grealish back after his impressive loan spell, but their business will not stop there, and it seems Moyes is in the market for experience.

Everton could move for Jacob Murphy

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Everton could move for Newcastle United’s veteran winger Jacob Murphy this summer. He posted on X: “Excl: Everton are keen on signing Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy. The 31-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his #NUFC contract and could leave this summer. Murphy signed for Newcastle NINE years ago and has been a brilliant player for the club.

“He is one of a number of players Everton are considering, as they look to strengthen the forward line, including a return for Jack Grealish. No #EFC offer for Murphy yet, but interest is there. Newcastle have signed winger Bazou Toure from Hoffenheim, but missed out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool.”

Murphy, who has more than 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, is a much-loved figure at Newcastle, and even with his veteran status, he managed to feature in 33 of Newcastle’s 38 games last season.

But he will know the Magpies are likely to want to upgrade those wide positions after missing out on Europe, and a move could be his best option to maintain regular minutes.

Murphy the ‘ultimate professional’

Speaking back in late 2023, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described what makes Murphy such a valuable player. He said: “He’s someone who is the ultimate professional. He’s reliable, plays multiple positions and has never let me down. Now, you’re going to have some good days and you’re going to have some bad days. I always say that the key response is how you handle the bad days.

“Before I came here, Jacob had some difficult moments, but you have to keep coming back. You have to be really resilient, you have to keep turning up, and I believe that if you do the right things off the pitch, then eventually you’ll show the right things on the pitch.

“For me, he’s just been that model of consistency in his approach and attitude.

“It’s great to see someone who puts that work in rewarded with an opportunity, and then it’s all about taking that opportunity. He’s done that, and it’s great to see.”