Manchester City’s 20 Greatest Players Of All Time | 2024

Manchester City‘s history is rich and intriguing, even if their past successes are not as abundant compared to their recent dominance.

Following the change in ownership in 2008, Manchester City has evolved into one of the premier spenders in the Premier League, marked by significant financial backing from the Abu Dhabi United Group.

The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, as the period since the club’s formation in 1880 had not previously witnessed a sustained run of success comparable to the current era.

The infusion of substantial investments has translated into astronomical spending on player acquisitions, fundamentally reshaping the team.

Nevertheless, even in the club’s lowest moments, City has had lots of players who brought joy to the fans.

As one of the most successful clubs in English football, winning the treble in the 2022/2023 season, it has been home to truly remarkable players throughout its history.

While the modern game demands significant physical prowess, it would be tempting to mainly focus on the current squad, with a few who have recently moved on.

However, this approach would disregard the remarkable feats of pre and post-war favorites and the impact of those whose names were cheered by supporters even during times when the team struggled in the second and third tiers.

Considering the impact, influence, consistency, loyalty, longevity, and success at the club, here are Manchester City’s 20 greatest players of all time.

1. Colin Bell – (England, 1966-1979)

• App: 394
• Goals: 117

Known as “The King of the Kippax” was widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of Manchester City for his longevity, loyalty, impact, and success.

He played an important role in the City’s team during the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he came in handy for the Cityzens with his skill, vision, and exceptional passing ability which made him a king in the team.

Moving gracefully like a dancer, he was part of the famous ‘ballet on ice,’ where City outplayed a strong Spurs side on a snow-covered pitch.

Another remarkable moment saw him skillfully deliver a through-ball with the outside of his right foot, setting up Francis Lee for the crucial fourth goal against Newcastle that secured the First Division title in 1968.

Bell wasn’t just a true leader and a brilliant midfielder who sported the Cityzens jersey throughout his stint for fun, he was also a winner who achieved a lot with the club.

2. David Silva – (Spain, 2010-2020)

• App: 436
• Goals: 77

Silva is admittedly one of the city’s players who justifies the title of “Legend” basically because of his indelible mark at the club.

When talking about elegance, finesse, creativity, and brilliant technical ability on the ball, are some of the qualities that  Silva brought into the team throughout his stint at City.

Consistently setting the tempo for attacks, he often proved to be the key to unlocking even the tightest defense.

During his darkest moment, when his prematurely born son Mateo fought for his life in Spain, a shaven-headed Silva somehow found the inner strength to showcase some of his very best form.

The Spaniard is adored by the Cityzens and admired by football fans around the globe who saw him had a magnificent career as a professional footballer, winning almost everything needed to be won for club and country.

3. Sergio Aguero – (Argentina, 2011-2021)

• App: 390
• Goals: 260

Manchester City’s record goal-scorer with 260 goals in 390 appearances is ranked third on our list having consistently justified the title legend in the shirt of city.

Quite several exceptional talents from the glory days of the past to the modern eras are privileged to turn out for the club, and among them is Sergio Aguero who joined the club in 2011.

After an agonizing 44-year wait, City dramatically win their latest top-flight title.

In the pivotal moments of the season’s closing kick, they outpaced United by just two points to claim English football’s most sought-after prize.

As the game clock surpassed the 93-minute mark, City found themselves deadlocked at 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers, seemingly on the verge of conceding the title to their fiercest rivals in what was anticipated to be a routine match.

However, in this high-stakes crucible, Agüero displayed ice-cold composure. Using his trusty right foot, he unleashed an unstoppable strike past Paddy Kenny at the near post, plunging City fans into a state of ecstatic rapture.

Even if Agüero’s impact at City had been confined to that one remarkable moment, his name would have been engraved into the club’s folklore for eternity.

His relentless pursuit of greatness was evident immediately after he made his debut, which in the long run resulted in him being the club’s all-time goal-scorer with many trophies.

4. Kevin de Bruyne – (Belgium, 2015 – Present)

• App: 243
• Goals: 64

Manchester City’s scanner, king of assists, and midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne is arguably the finest midfielder to ever graze the club’s jersey.

From 2015 till date the Belgian has played 243 games in all competitions, scoring 64 goals and 102 assists a brilliant feat that ranks him among the best in the history of the club.

Played in a deeper role under Pep Guardiola, he quickly became the league’s assist king, blending astonishing vision with unparalleled technique consistently, delivering Man of the Match performances week after week.

Capable of powerful, driving runs and possessing the ability to score with both feet, De Bruyne is now widely regarded as the best midfielder in the league. In a team of superstars, he regularly shines the brightest of all.

Since he arrived at the club, the Belgian maestro has been instrumental in City’s success both domestically and on the European stage.

With Kevin de Bruyne still actively playing as a City player, he’s still on course to become the greatest player in the history of the Cityzens.

5. Yaya Toure – (Cote D’Ivoire, 2010-2018)

• App: 316
• Goals: 81

Yaya Toure, was an Ivorian legend who was hugely successful in Europe, winning multiple titles in different countries particularly in England with Manchester City.

Toure’s name will go down as one of Africa’s and City’s greatest midfielders of all time, considering his sheer success for club and country where he won four African Footballer of the Year.

Touré left a solid print on City’s history by bringing home the club’s first trophy in 35 years.

The subsequent league title was won in the following season. Yet, it was during Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure in the 2013/14 season that Touré truly shone.

His incredible equalizer in the Capital One Cup final marked a turning point, and he went on to score 20 goals, including a series of unstoppable free-kicks. Almost single-handedly, Touré dragged the Blues over the finish line in dramatic fashion on the final day, securing another title for City.

The lanky midfielder scored a lot of important goals for Cityzens and was also instrumental in City achieving their successes under the tutelage of all the managers he played under.

6. Vincent Kompany – (Belgium, 2008-2019)

• App: 338
• Goals: 20

Perhaps Kompany is arguably the greatest center-back to ever wear Manchester City Jersey, considering the role he played in the success of the club just like one of their legend Francis Lee opined.

Exhibiting both authority and composure in the defensive line, Kompany undeniably embodied the qualities of a captain.

Consequently, he was rightfully entrusted with the captain’s armband for the 2011/12 season, guiding his team to City’s first league trophy in four decades.

His key contribution included a crucial goal against their closest rivals, United, in the penultimate home game, where he showcased his aerial prowess with a towering header.

This remarkable season also saw him earn the individual honor of Premier League Player of the Season.

The Belgian defensive stalwart embodied leadership and total commitment during his time at Manchester City where he captained them to the pinnacle of success.

Kompany’s commanding presence at the back, combined with his ability to score crucial goals when the occasion calls for it made him an inspirational figure at the club.

7. Bert Trautmann – (Germany, 1949-1964)

• App: 545
• Goals: 0

Bremen born, Trautmann would never have thought one day he’d become a legendary figure in football when he was captured during World War II.

The blond-haired and athletic goalkeeper was first enlisted in the Hitler youth program as a youngster, and was eventually trained as a paratrooper sent to fight in Russia at the global conflict raged.

The pinnacle of Trautmann’s City career unfolded in the 1956 FA Cup final. With the Citizens holding a 3-1 lead, Trautmann showcased exceptional courage by diving at the feet of Birmingham’s Peter Murphy, resulting in a collision that left him with a broken neck.

Astoundingly, he continued to play on, making additional saves to maintain the scoreline. The true gravity of his injury only became apparent three days later, highlighting the extraordinary resilience and dedication of the goalkeeper.

Despite what he went through, his remarkable story and talent earned him a place among the greatest Manchester City players with 545 appearances.

Trautmann’s top goalkeeping reflexes and bravery in between the sticks were unparalleled despite playing in the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck.

8. Francis Lee – (England, 1967-1974

• App: 330
• Goals: 148

Lee, alongside Colin Bell and Mike Summerbee, was a deadly trio in the 60s that tormented English football defense for many years.

The legendary forward wasn’t just known for his goal-scoring prowess, he was also a flamboyant player who played with finesse and elegance.

Branded as “the final piece of the jigsaw” by Mercer, the powerful forward seamlessly integrated into the team, making an impact early on by scoring in only his second game.

He went on to find the back of the net 14 more times before the pivotal season-ending clash against Newcastle.

he contributed another goal in a thrilling 4-3 triumph that secured City’s historic first league title.

The subsequent season witnessed the addition of the FA Cup to City’s trophy collection, initiating a remarkable five-season stretch where Lee consistently held the position of the Blues’ top scorer.

With a fearless playing style, Lee excelled, especially from the penalty spot, where he often converted penalties—often earning them himself, though this tendency to go down easily stirred some ills.

Lee’s impact at City was so evident that he played a vital role in the club’s first Division title win in 1968, and also helped the team to European Cup Winners’Cup in 1970.

You can’t do a roll call of players who justify the word legend and not include Lee’s name for his sheer talent and impact as a phenomenon goal-scorer for City.

9. Mike Summerbee – (England, 1965-1975)

• App: 449
• Goals: 67

Mike Summerbee, one of the most popular and loved figures during City’s golden generation in the 60s, played a pivotal role in the club’s success during that era.

Dubbed “the greatest center-forward in history” by devoted City fans, in a chant playfully exchanged with their neighbors, the rest of which shall remain unspoken.

However, the man affectionately known as ‘Buzzer’ among his teammates predominantly operated on the wing, endearing himself to the crowd with his dynamic performances.

During his peak scoring season, he notched in an impressive 20 goals while also playing a pivotal role by providing the assist for Neil Young’s decisive strike in the ’69 FA Cup final.

Despite their on-pitch rivalry, Summerbee shared a deep and lasting friendship with United’s George Best, bonding over their shared Irish roots and a penchant for a hard-living lifestyle.

As a trickery and incisive goal-scoring winger, he was a key component in the team that won four trophies between 1968 and 1970 alongside teammates Francis Lee and Colin Bell.

Being the third member of the Holy Trinity of City’s attack then, not having him on the list of players who justify the word legend will be disrespectful.

10. Frank Swift – (England, 1933-1949)

• App: 376
• Goals: 0

Whether you’re a City or United fans you’ll be aware of the name Frank Swift, a man who lost his life in the tragic plane crash at Munich in 1958.

The late Swift was at the time a columnist for the “News of the World” before he tragically lost his life in a plane crash that claimed 23 lives including eight United players and three officials.

The “Gentle Giant” as he was called was a brilliant and proficient goalkeeper who represented the Citizens from 1932 to 1949  and racked up 375 games for the club.

Standing tall with shovel-like hands, he posed a formidable obstacle for opposition forwards, making it challenging for them to breach his defenses.

Despite attributing blame to himself for conceding in the 1934 FA Cup final, he redeemed his performance with a series of crucial saves that ultimately led to City securing the coveted trophy.

The onset of World War II deprived him of further appearances as the Football League was suspended.

Undeterred, he continued to display his skills in the non-competitive Wartime League. After the war, he made a triumphant return to action, ultimately ending his career with retirement in 1949.

Aside from his antics, fool-like and funny behavior, Swift is also regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation and for Manchester City.

11. Eric Brook – (England, 1928-1939)

• App: 496
• Goals: 178

Until 2017 Brook was still City’s record goal-scorer before Aguero broke the attacker’s long-standing record that stood for 78 years.

Throughout Brook’s 11-year stint at City he was well revered for his devastating thunder-like shot that made many goalkeepers fear him.

Having formidable muscularity, he wielded fearsome power in his shots, often attempting audacious goals from remarkable distances (a cup goal against Stoke stands out as one of the finest ever scored at Maine Road).

His versatile role gave him the license to torment both full-backs and center-halves with his dynamic play.

In 1934, his goal-scoring prowess propelled City to Wembley, where he orchestrated the winner for Fred Tilson, securing a 2-1 triumph over Portsmouth.

He continued to play a major role in the historic title-winning season of 1936/37, featuring in every game during a campaign that included a stirring 20-match unbeaten run.

The energetic forward incredible skill, pace, trickery, and technical ability made him one of the most feared strikers in the history of the club with 450 appearances and 158 goals.

12. Neil Young – (England, 1961-1972)

• App: 416
• Goals: 111

Young is a lifelong city fan and one of the finest and most creative components to ever play for the club in the glory years of the late 60s and early 70s.

He was a cultured left-footed player who was quite gifted with every possible skill expected of a professional footballer in terms of goal-scoring.

Young found his goal-scoring stride, emerging as the top scorer during the Blues’ promotion in the 1965/66 season. Two years later, he repeated this feat, playing a role in the club’s first domestic title in three decades.

Cup triumphs further highlighted Young’s abilities, notably with him scoring the lone goal in the 1969 FA Cup Final.

He opened the scoring in a 2-1 victory against Górnik Zabrze, contributing to City’s conquest of the European Cup Winners’ Cup and adding to their impressive trophy collection.

You won’t have the midfield magician in your team and be complaining about how good he was as a player and the city’s legend in the late 60s to early 70s.

13. Tommy Johnson – (England, 1920-1930)

• App: 354
• Goals: 166

Tommy Johnson was a devastating predator in front of goal, having a strike rate of nearly one goal every two games in his ten-year stint at the club.

During the 1928-29 season, the Lancashire-born striker scored an incredible 38 goals in 39 games, but unfortunately never won anything with the club.

At Manchester City, Johnson was the glue that glued the opposition’s defence together when attacking with his brilliant instinct in front of goal.

Surprisingly, Johnson’s only triumph with City was the Second Division title; nevertheless, throughout the club’s fluctuating fortunes, this prolific striker remained a consistently outstanding performer.

His peak season coincided with City’s return to the top flight, where he achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring 38 goals in 39 games – a club record that endures to this day.

One remarkable highlight includes his scoring of five goals in a single match against Everton.

Johnson’s exceptional form not only secured his place in City’s history but also earned him a spot in the England side, where, despite limited appearances with just five caps, he impressively bagged as many goals.

14. Mike Doyle – (England, 1965-1978)

• App: 600
• Goals: 41

Manchester-born Doyle was a key player in the club’s successful period under Mercer and Allison who led them to Cup glory in 1976.

His fiercely committed performances solidified his reputation as a hardman, and his openly expressed disdain for United garnered significant attention from the press, as well as ire from passionate supporters in the red half of Manchester.

Despite the controversy, he thrived under the pressure of local derbies, seldom finding himself on the losing side throughout his tenure at the Citizens. His on-field demeanor reflected a deep passion for the club.

Upon his departure from Stoke in 1978, securing his place as the third-highest appearance-maker in City’s history, trailing only Joe Corrigan and Alan Oakes.

His legacy was not just in the record books but also in the solid prints he left on the pitch through his unwavering dedication to his beloved Blues.

Doyle gave his all for the Cityzens where he played 600 games and scored 41 goals, emerging as one of the club’s most capped players before he retired.

15. Fred Tilson – (England, 1928-1938)

• App: 275
• Goals: 132

Tilson was one of the most intelligent and naturally gifted players to ever wear the jersey of City in the 1928 and 1938 era where he won the FA Cup in 1934.

Tilson’s true impact took a few seasons to unfold, but once he hit his stride, he became an unstoppable force, amassing an impressive 110 goals in just 264 appearances.

The peak of his career arrived with the FA Cup final victory in 1934.

In a match where City trailed due to a goal for which the goalkeeper Frank Swift was at fault, Tilson stepped up. At halftime, he delivered a motivational talk to Swift, vowing to score two goals in the second half.

True to his words, Tilson fulfilled the promise by netting the equalizer and a late winner, etching his name into the history of City’s triumphs.

16. Fernandinho – (Brazil, 2013-2020)

• App: 304
• Goals: 23

Fernandinho came into the City team in 2013 from Ukrainian giant Shakhtar Donetsk as a brilliant upcoming defensive midfielder but left the club in 2020 as a renowned champion.

He is widely acknowledged as one of the premier defensive midfielders of his generation, earning recognition as one of the finest Brazilians to grace the Premier League.

The Brazilian is a well-known player at City during his 9-year spell with the Premier League giant, where he won 5 leagues, an FA Cup, six EFL Cups and two Community Shields as captain of the side.

In the 2020-2021 season, he took on the role of captain, showcasing leadership qualities.

His instrumental contribution played a crucial role in guiding Manchester City to the 2021 Champions League final, where he earned a runners-up medal.

Though he couldn’t win the Champions League with the team before he left for his home country, that doesn’t remove his name among the legends of the club.

17. Dennis Tueart – (England, 1974-1978)

• App: 275
• Goals: 109

Tueart was a superb tricky winger who delivered an impressive haul of 109 goals, coupled with cup success for the Cityzens during his two stints.

In 1974 he signed for Manchester City and was part of the winning team in the 1976 League Cup final, where he scored an overhead kick that led to the Cityzens winning the cup.

Tueart’s exceptional close control and pace rendered him a nightmare for defenders to contend with. Despite being part of a formidable City side, he narrowly missed out on additional silverware twice.

The Blues finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the 1976/77 Division One season and suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Spurs in the famous 1981 FA Cup final replay.

Amidst these near-misses, Tueart spent two years at New York Cosmos, where he tasted success by winning three trophies before making a triumphant return to City in 1980.

His goal-scoring ability often came in bursts, including the remarkable feat of securing three hat-tricks in a single season.

Throughout his double stint with the club, he scored over 109 goals in 275 appearances before he finally left to pitch his tent with other teams.

18. Shaun Goater – (Bermuda, 1998-2003)

• App: 189
• Goals: 103

There have been many players with more quality that won’t get into the top 50, but considering the impact and fan adulation enjoyed by Goater it will be a crime not to have him on this list.

The Bermudan and City legend was with the Cityzens throughout their rise back to the elite division, and he was well-loved at the club’s old ground Maine Road throughout his spell their

Being a brilliant and proficient goal-scorer, he was instrumental for the club during the late 90s down to the early 2000s when he scored 103 goals for the Cityzens.

As one of City’s legend, he finished as the club’s top-scorer for four consecutive seasons scoring double-digit goals before he left for Reading.

19. Carlos Tevez – (Argentina, 2009-2013)

• App: 148
• Goals: 73

Tevez is one of the few players who represented the two Manchester clubs before he left England.

He made a controversial move from United to City in 2009 and dazzled on the pitch throughout his spell with the Citizens scoring 73 goals in 148 appearances.

In the 2010–11 season, Tevez won the Premier League Golden Boot, highlighting his proficiency as a top goal-scorer.

The subsequent season, 2011–12, saw him contribute significantly to Manchester City’s triumph in the Premier League.

Tevez was renowned for his quickness, tenacity, power, hard work, and versatility, all complemented by a strong physique.

His playing style was marked by technical finesse, tactical intelligence, and creativity.

Remarkably versatile, he could seamlessly operate as a striker, winger, supporting forward, or attacking midfielder. Tevez’s ability to finish, precise positioning, vision, dynamic movement, and adept passing skills not only allowed him to score goals but also played a crucial role in creating opportunities for his teammates.

His time at City was tarnished by his self-imposed exile during the title-winning season, however when on the field his commitment was never in doubt.

20. Joe Hart – (England, 2006-2018)

• App: 348
• Goals: 0

With 348 appearances in the shirt of Manchester City, we could boldly say Hart stands a legend at the club having played under Mark Hughes and Manuel Pellegrini.

Aside from being a top goalkeeper, he played a major role in City’s first title triumph where he won the Barclays Golden Glove in consecutive seasons.

From 2010 to 2015, Hart achieved an impressive feat, signifying the most clean sheets in the Premier League. Throughout this period, he delivered several goalkeeping masterclasses, showcasing his exceptional skills.

Though he couldn’t be part of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side for long when he took over, he’ll forever be a cult figure at Manchester City for his impact.

Georgi Kinkladze – (Georgia, 1995-1998)

• App: 121
• Goals: 22

Before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia there was Georgi Kinkladze who didn’t only dazzled for the Georgian national team, he also dazzled for Manchester City from 1995-1998.

The diminutive Georgian arrived City as a relatively unknown player but quickly won the hearts of the Maine Road faithful with his dazzling display in midfield.

His impact and influence at City can’t be overemphasized, putting into consideration the twinkle-toed goal he scored against Southampton with a mazy run finished which won him a successive Player of the Year award in the mid-90s.

Other Greatest Manchester City Players In History

• Ederson
• Pablo Zabaleta
• Edin Džeko
• Richard Dunne
• Raheem Sterling
• Uwe Rösler
• Shaun Wright-Phillips
• Ken Barnes
• Joe Hayes
• Paul Power
• Dave Watson
• Joe Corrigan
• Tommy Booth
• Riyadh Mahrez
• Billy Meredith
• Tony Book
• Glyn Pardoe
• Alan Oakes
• Darius Vassell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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