Ever since Manchester City’s takeover in 2008 the club has been able to attract some of the best players in the world. Let’s take a look at the 10 best Manchester City players of all time
10. Fernandinho
Arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 following a £34 million transfer, Fernandino proved quickly that he was worth every penny. A box-to-box defensive midfielder, he appeared for the club in 383 in all competitions.
Able to shoot from distance, his work-rate and energy was instrumental in leading City both defensive and on attack and is arguably the greatest Brazilian in Premier League history.
9. Paul Doherty
We’ve got to go back to the 1940s and 1950s when Northern Irishman Paul Doherty was making a significant impact at Manchester City. Known for his exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and prolific goal-scoring, he scored 74 goals for the club in 119 games. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, and Manchester City Hall of Fame in 2004.
8. Bert Trautmann
Former Nazi soldier and Manchester City legend Bert Trautmann is our 8th best Manchester City player of all time. Despite vocal protests from fans, he fast became a fan favourite and featured in 508 league games for the club.
Trautmann was a shot-stopping genius and saved 60% of penalties during his career. He was renowned for dedication and famously playing the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck.
7. Yaya Touré
Powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure was a driving force behind City’s rise to dominance after joining the club from Barcelona in 2010. Toure bossed the midfield from box-to-box with his physicality, skill and ability to score. In 8 seasons he won the Premier League three times as well as the 2010-11 FA Cup.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
How Chelsea only used Kevin De Bruyne sparingly is beyond me and to Manchester City’s benefit, they gained one of the best players to ever play for the club. A complete footballer, De Bruyne’s playmaking ability took the club to even greater heights since joining in 2015. Joining for a then-record £54 million, there’s no doubt he repaid the fee with a third place finish for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, in addition to an abundance of trophies and individual accolades.
5. Tony Book
Despite only joining the club as a 31-year old, Tony Book became one of the greatest ever defenders for the club. Playing at right back, he was forever consistent and helped to guide the club to four major trophies as captain – the 1970s European Cup Winners’ Cup the greatest of those achievements.
4. Vincent Kompany
A case could be made for Vincent Kompany being the best centre back in Premier League history. In 2008 he joined the club from Hamburger SV and quickly became a rock at the back, as well as one of the greatest leaders in world football. During his 11 seasons at Manchester City, Kompany served as captain in eight of those and he helped guide the club to four titles.
3. Colin Bell
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Manchester City players of all time, Colin Bell epitomized skill, versatility, and dedication. Known as “The King of the Kippax,” his performances in midfield during the late ’60s and ’70s earned him iconic status among fans. He finished his career having played 394 league games and scoring 117 times.
2. David Silva
David Silva is second on our list of the best Manchester City players of all time. A magician with the ball, Silva’s vision, creativity, and technical brilliance helped propel Manchester City into one of the best clubs in world football. His ability to dictate play and create opportunities was exceptional and he played a total of 309 Premier League games, scoring 60 times and registering 93 assists.
1. Sergio Agüero
Sergio Aguero is the best Manchester City player of all time. The club’s all-time leading scorer until his departure, Agüero’s impact on City’s success in the modern era is immeasurable. His knack for crucial goals, agility, and remarkable goal-scoring ability made him a legend.
Aguero scored 184 goals in the Premier League for City from 275 games, none more important than the title-winning injury time winner to clinch the 2011-12 Premier League title.
