Thanks in great part to the well-known individuals who altered the club’s history, Manchester City has undergone an incredible transformation from a consistent underachiever to one of the most powerful teams in European football. City has assembled a team full of top players and repeat champions since the turn of the century, particularly after the 2008 takeover. Many players have made their names in club history with memorable moments and unparalleled consistency, from game-winning goals to performances that defined an era.
Based on their influence, awards, longevity, and legacy, these ten Manchester City players are ranked as the best of the twenty-first century.
10. Foden, Phil
Phil Foden, who is only 24 years old, is already making a name for himself as one of Manchester City’s most technically proficient academy graduates. He has contributed significantly to City’s domestic domination under Guardiola, having won six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League.
He has distinguished himself with his versatility, goal-scoring skill, and capacity to step up on the greatest occasions, most notably during his 2023–24 season, when he was named Premier League Player of the Season. A real-time signal for a future club legend.
9. Haaland, Erling
Even though Erling Haaland has only recently joined the team, few players have had such an instant influence. He set a club record of 52 goals in all competitions during his debut season (2022–2023), leading City to an unprecedented triple. In addition to breaking the single-season goalscoring record (36 goals), he won the Premier League Golden Boot and was awarded the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year. His influence is evident, and his stats are ridiculous.
8. Touré Yaya
The Ivorian midfielder changed the definition of a powerhouse. Touré was crucial to City’s FA Cup victory in 2011, scoring winners in both the semi-final and final, and he scored an unprecedented 24 goals in all competitions during the 2013–14 championship season. With three league crowns and a reputation for stepping up when it counted most, he was one of the league’s most complete midfielders because to his blend of style and strength.
7. Silva Bernardo
Perhaps the most tactically astute player Guardiola has ever had at City is Bernardo Silva. Whether used in midfield or out wide, his unwavering work ethic, dribbling prowess, and constant greatness have made him invaluable. Silva is still one of the most dependable big-game players in Europe, having won 18 major championships and put on many clutch performances, especially during the 2022–2023 Champions League run.
6. Rodri
The most crucial member of City’s current lineup and their midfield metronome. Rodri finished the 2023–24 Premier League season undefeated and scored the game-winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final. He has become the lifeblood of Guardiola’s team due to his ability to manage tempo, anticipate danger, and produce when it matters most. In addition to becoming the only Manchester City player in history to win the Ballon d’Or, he has already won the Premier League four times, which further solidifies his place among the best in the sport.
5. Gündogan Ilkay
Pep Guardiola’s first and most trusted acquisition at City was the German international. Despite his tendency to operate in the background, Gündogan was able to step up when leadership was needed. His vital goals during the 2021 and 2022 title run-ins, as well as his brace against Manchester United in the 2023 FA Cup final, are ingrained in City legend. He was the spark in close games and the calm in pandemonium, having won 14 trophies, including captaining the treble-winning team.
4. Kompany, Vincent
Not merely a captain. Kompany personified City’s transition from underdogs to consistent victors. The Belgian centre-back was the club’s defensive cornerstone and won four Premier League titles in 11 seasons. In the title battle, his thunderbolt against Leicester in 2019 is still regarded as one of the pivotal moments. He led with brilliance, presence, and unwavering dedication.
3. Silva, David
“El Mago” is a nickname for a reason. During a period when English football was unfamiliar with players of his calibre, David Silva added creativity and command to Manchester City’s midfield. He contributed more than 130 goals in 436 games, won four Premier League championships, and was instrumental in changing the club’s image. Over the course of ten years, few players have dominated play with such poise and constancy.
2. De Bruyne, Kevin
The greatest passer that modern English football has ever seen. Since 2015, De Bruyne has been the driving force behind Guardiola’s City, contributing 174 assists and several seasons with ten or more goals. Despite injuries, he is still essential and has won three Premier League Playmaker Awards. He was also awarded Premier League Player of the Season twice. The attacking midfielder’s role has been reinvented by this six-time league champion and Champions League winner.
1. Agüero Sergio
The best player in the history of Manchester City. Agüero became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 260 goals in 390 games, making him one of the most productive forwards in Premier League history. Perhaps the most memorable event in the history of the league was his game-winning goal against QPR in the final seconds of 2012, which gave City their first league title in forty-four years. In addition, he won five league championships and seven domestic cups in a row. He made it memorable, not just by scoring.
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