In the heart of Manchester City’s rich football history lies a cast of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy. From goal-scoring maestros to midfield dynamos, these icons have shaped the very essence of Manchester City.
So, Join Sportonpoint as we journey through time and take a look at the top ten greatest players to ever grace the sky-blue jersey. From historic triumphs to unforgettable moments, their stories weave the tapestry of Manchester City’s greatness.
Let’s kick off our journey with the first of these remarkable players, each one a legend in their own right.
Legends of Manchester City: The Top 10 Greatest Players in Sky-Blue History.
1. Sergio Agüero – ( 2011 – 2021 )
![City 1](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-1-.jpg?resize=585%2C388&ssl=1)
Sergio Agüero’s time at Manchester City from 2011 to 2021 left an indelible mark on the club. During his decade-long tenure, the Argentine striker established himself as an iconic figure, netting a remarkable 260 goals in 390 appearances.
Agüero’s extraordinary goal-scoring prowess and his ability to shine in crucial moments played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s achievements, notably their historic Premier League victory in 2012, sealed dramatically in stoppage time against Queens Park Rangers.
Sergio Agüero’s legacy endures as one of the finest strikers not only in the history of Manchester City but in English football as a whole.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 5 English Champion ( 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021 )
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 2019 )
• 6 English League Cup Winner ( 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 )
• 3 English Super Cup Winner ( 2013, 2019, 2020 )
2. Colin Bell – ( 1966 – 1979 )
![City 2](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-2-.jpg?resize=474%2C587&ssl=1)
Colin Bell, known as ‘The King’ among Manchester City faithful, is undoubtedly one of the most revered players to ever grace the club’s jersey. He made his arrival at City in 1966 from Bury, with Assistant Manager Malcolm Allison closely following his progress.
In his debut season, Bell played a pivotal role in helping the club gain promotion, and in 1968, he was at the heart of the squad that clinched the League Championship. He further solidified his legacy by being named the 1967/68 Manchester City Player of the Year.
Teaming up with Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee, Bell formed the legendary ‘Holy Trinity,’ which inspired the Blues to triumphs in the FA Cup, 2 Charity Shields, 2 League Cups, and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Sadly, Colin Bell’s illustrious career was cut short due to a devastating knee injury sustained in a clash with Martin Buchan of Manchester United. He made a valiant attempt to return in 1977 but ultimately retired in 1979. His contribution included 501 appearances for City in all competitions, accompanied by an impressive tally of 153 goals, cementing his status as an absolute legend of the club. The Etihad Stadium even has a stand named in his honor.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 1 English Champion ( 1968 )
• 1 Europapokal Der Pokalsieger Sieger ( 69/70 )
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 1969 )
• 1 English League Cup Winner ( 1970 )
3. David Silva ( 2010 – 2020 )
![City 3](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-3-.jpg?resize=503%2C403&ssl=1)
In 2010, Manchester City welcomed David Silva, a World Cup winner, and he certainly lived up to the hype. His ability to set the tempo and create opportunities seemingly out of thin air elevated his teammates to new heights.
With unmatched vision and passing precision, Silva orchestrated countless chances for his fellow players. Over the course of a decade, he graced the club with his presence in 436 matches, accumulating an impressive collection of honors, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shield titles.
His exceptional performance earned him the title of Manchester City Player of the Season for 2016-17. Known as “Merlin” among City fans, David Silva’s enduring popularity and undeniable on-pitch accomplishments solidify his place among the top three greatest Manchester City players in history.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 4 English Champion ( 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019 )
• 2 English FA Cup Winner ( 2011, 2019 )
• 5 English League Cup Winner ( 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 )
• 3 English Super Cup Winner ( 2013, 2019, 2020 )
4 . Kevin De Bruyne – ( 2015 – present )
![City 4](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-4-.jpg?resize=526%2C388&ssl=1)
Kevin De Bruyne, a talisman for Manchester City, has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier midfielders since joining the club in 2015.
The Belgian maestro’s influence on City’s domestic and European achievements cannot be overstated. With his extraordinary vision, exceptional passing range, and masterful ability to dictate the tempo of matches, De Bruyne stands as a formidable presence in midfield.
He played a pivotal role in securing multiple Premier League titles for City and was a key contributor to the club’s historic Champions League triumph.
De Bruyne’s consistent high-level performances and his significant impact on the team rightfully earn him a place among the greatest Manchester City players of all time. As his journey with the club continues, it’s entirely plausible that he may climb even higher on this prestigious list.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 1 Champions League Winner ( 22/23 )
• 5 English Champion ( 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 )
• 1 UEFA SuperCup Winner ( 22/23 )
• 2 English FA Cup Winner ( 2019, 2023 )
• 5 English League Cup Winner ( 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 )
• 2 English Super Cup Winner ( 2019, 2020 )
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5. Bert Trautmann ( 1949 – 1964 )
![City 5](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-5-.jpg?resize=563%2C369&ssl=1)
Bert Trautmann’s legacy among Manchester City supporters is indelibly etched into the club’s history, most notably for his courageous act during the 1956 FA Cup Final. Despite suffering a broken neck, Trautmann valiantly played for 17 minutes, allowing his team to secure victory over Birmingham City and earning his winner’s medal. Notably, he was the first German to grace an FA Cup final at Wembley.
Trautmann, a former prisoner of war, played a significant role in healing post-World War II relations between England and Germany. In 1956, he was recognized as England’s Player of the Year.
Having served with the Luftwaffe during World War II and subsequently being captured by British forces, his signing by Manchester City in 1949 initially sparked protests. However, over time, Trautmann’s exceptional performances won the hearts of City fans, firmly establishing him in the club’s folklore.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 1956 )
6. Vincent Kompany – ( 2008 – 2019 )
![City 6](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-6-.jpg?resize=560%2C383&ssl=1)
Vincent Kompany, the Belgian defensive maestro, personified leadership and unwavering dedication throughout his tenure at Manchester City.
His authoritative presence in the defense, coupled with his knack for scoring pivotal goals, made him an inspirational figure for teammates and fans alike.
The pinnacle of his captaincy was witnessed in the 2018-2019 season, where, in one of his last matches for the club, Kompany delivered an astonishing long-range goal against Leicester City. This goal secured Manchester City’s Premier League triumph over Liverpool, solidifying his legendary status at the club.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 4 English Champion ( 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019 )
• 2 English FA Cup Winner ( 2011, 2019 )
• 4 English League Cup Winner ( 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 )
• 2 English Super Cup Winner ( 2013, 2019 )
7. Yaya Toure ( 2010 – 2018 )
![City 7](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-7-.jpg?resize=549%2C425&ssl=1)
Yaya Touré was an indispensable figure in Manchester City’s success following the Arab takeover. As a box-to-box midfielder, he stood as one of the world’s premier players in his position, both for club and country.
Touré left an indelible mark by scoring pivotal goals for Manchester City, notably propelling them to the 2011 FA Cup final by scoring against rivals United in the semi-finals. In the final against Stoke City, he once again showcased his importance by netting the winner, securing City’s first trophy in 35 years. He played a crucial role in the club’s conquest of two Premier League titles and two League Cups, with a memorable performance in the penultimate match of the 2011–12 season against Newcastle United, where he scored two late goals to secure the league title for Manchester City.
His exceptional contributions earned him spots in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2011–12 and 2013–14, while also claiming the title of African Footballer of the Year for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 3 English Champion ( 2012, 2014, 2018 )
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 2011 )
• 3 English League Cup Winner ( 2014, 2016, 2018 )
• 1 English Super Cup Winner ( 2013 )
8. Francis Lee – ( 1967 – 1974 )
![City 8](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-8-.jpg?resize=383%2C539&ssl=1)
Francis Lee, renowned for his goal-scoring excellence and dynamic playing style, marks the beginning of our list of the greatest Manchester City players.
Lee’s remarkable ability to consistently find the back of the net resulted in an impressive 148 goals in 330 appearances.
He played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s conquest of the First Division title in 1968 and their journey to the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.
Lee’s profound impact as a forward and his keen eye for goal undeniably secure his status as a legendary figure in the club’s history.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 2 English Champion ( 1968, 1975 )
• 1 Europapokal Der Pokalsieger Sieger ( 69/70 )
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 1969 )
• 1 English League Cup Winner ( 1970 )
• 3 English Super Cup Winner ( 1968, 1972, 1975 )
9. Frank Swift ( 1933 – 1949 )
![City 9](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-9-.jpg?resize=543%2C303&ssl=1)
Frank Swift, a loyal one-club man, dedicated his entire professional career to guarding Manchester City’s goalposts, with the exception of wartime guest appearances elsewhere. In his inaugural season, Swift played a pivotal role as part of the team that advanced to the 1934 FA Cup final. The previous year, City had suffered defeat in the final against Everton, and the relatively inexperienced Swift carried nerves into the final showdown against Portsmouth.
When Septimus Rutherford scored for Pompey 27 minutes into the match, the young Swift shouldered the blame for the goal. However, halftime brought unexpected solace when City’s center-forward, Fred Tilson, assured the young goalkeeper that he would score two goals. Tilson upheld his promise and netted twice. When the final whistle blew, Swift was so overwhelmed by the release of tension that he fainted beneath his crossbar, later having to be revived to collect his winners’ medal from King George V.
Swift’s contributions extended beyond the FA Cup; he also played a role in securing First and Second Division titles with City. Tragically, his life was cut short prematurely due to the Munich Air Disaster while he was covering a game as a journalist for the News of the World.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 1933/34 )
• 1 English Division One ( old ) ( 1936/37 )
• 1 Charity Shield ( 1937/38 )
• 1 English Division Two ( old ) ( 1946/47 )
10. Mike Summerbee ( 1965 – 1975 )
![City 10](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-10-.jpg?resize=389%2C371&ssl=1)
Mike Summerbee, a notable signing by Joe Mercer, forms one-third of the celebrated City triumvirate alongside Colin Bell and Francis Lee. In his debut season at the club, he achieved a unique feat by starting in every single match, making him the sole Manchester City player to do so during that season.
Operating on the right wing, Summerbee played a pivotal role in the team’s remarkable success, which included clinching four trophies in just three seasons, notably the First Division, FA Cup, and League Cup between 1968 and 1970. His contributions were duly recognized by City fans who voted him Player of the Year in both 1972 and 1973.
In total, Summerbee amassed 452 appearances for the club, while also finding the back of the net 68 times. His remarkable journey with Manchester City concluded when he made a £25,000 move to Burnley in 1975.
Trophies with Manchester City
• 1 English Champion ( 1968 )
• 1 Europapokal Der Pokalsieger Sieger ( 69/70 )
• 1 English FA Cup Winner ( 1969 )
• 1 English League Cup Winner ( 1970 )
• 2 English Super Cup Winner ( 1968, 1972 )
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Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the annals of Manchester City’s history, it’s abundantly clear that the club’s legacy is built on the shoulders of giants. These remarkable players, have not only captured the hearts of City supporters but have etched their names into football’s hall of fame.
Their feats on the pitch, their unwavering dedication, and their ability to create unforgettable moments have left an indomitable legacy. Manchester City’s history is one that thrives on the passion and brilliance of its players, and these ten legends have exemplified the very essence of the club.
So, whether you’ve been a fan for decades or are just beginning to explore the world of Manchester City, we hope this journey has shed light on the rich tapestry of greatness that defines the club. These players’ stories are a testament to the enduring spirit of football and the boundless love that fans worldwide share for their beloved team. As Manchester City continues to make history, one can only wonder who the next legend to grace the Etihad Stadium might be. Until then, let’s celebrate the heroes of the past and look forward to the bright future of the Sky Blues.
Honourable mention
This is a list of Manchester City players who have made significant contributions to the club’s history:
•Joe Hart – A reliable goalkeeper who played a crucial role during City’s title-winning seasons.
•Shaun Goater – A fan favorite and prolific striker during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
•Paul Dickov – Known for his memorable goal in the 1999 Second Division play-off final.
•Mike Doyle – A tough-tackling defender and captain during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
•Eric Brook – A prolific goal scorer with 177 goals making him the second City’s highest goal scorer.
These players have left their mark on Manchester City’s history and are celebrated by the club’s faithful supporters.
FAQs
Who was Man City best winger?
Mike Summerbee holds an impressive record with 443 appearances and 67 goals, making him one of City’s legendary wingers. He played a pivotal role in the squad that secured four trophies in a remarkable three-year span during the 1960s.
Who is Man City greatest goal scorers?
Sergio Agüero hold the record, with 260 goals, followed by Eric Brook with 177 goals.
Who was the legendary Manchester City goalkeeper?
Who else would it be if not the great shot-stopper Bert Trautmann?