In this post, we will check out the top 10 best Manchester City players of all time.
Manchester City is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world, having won numerous domestic and international titles over the years.
The club has seen many great players throughout its history, and selecting the top 10 best players of all time is no easy task.
However, certain players have left an indelible mark on the club’s history and have achieved legendary status among the fans.
From club legends who spent their entire careers at City to star players who made significant contributions during their time at the club, the top 10 best Manchester City players of all time have all left a lasting legacy at the club.
These players have demonstrated incredible skill, technique, and dedication on the pitch, and have helped Manchester City achieve success on both the domestic and international stages.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Manchester City players of all time, their contributions to the club, and their impact on the sport of football.
Table of contents
Top 10 Best Manchester City Players of All Time
10 Fernandinho
Fernandinho, the Brazilian defensive midfielder, has cemented his place as one of the best Manchester City players of all time.
His tenure at the club, which began in 2013, has been marked by his exceptional leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to control the tempo of the game.
He has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success over the past decade, and his contributions to the club have not gone unnoticed.
Fernandinho is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and respected players to have ever played for Manchester City.
Fernandinho’s impact on Manchester City’s success cannot be overstated. He has been an integral part of the team since his arrival and has helped the club win numerous titles, including four Premier League titles, six League Cups, and the FA Cup.
His versatility as a midfielder has allowed him to contribute both offensively and defensively, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
He is known for his excellent passing ability and his ability to read the game, which has led to him being one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Fernandinho has also been a vital leader off the pitch. He has been a mentor to many of the younger players in the squad, and his professionalism and work ethic have set an example for his teammates to follow.
His leadership skills have been particularly evident in the 2020-21 season, where he led the team to win the Premier League title despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Overall, Fernandinho’s contributions to Manchester City have been immense, and his place among the all-time top 10 Manchester City legends is well-deserved.
9 Yaya Touré
Yaya Touré is undoubtedly one of the most influential players in Manchester City’s history and has rightly earned his place among the best-ever Manchester City footballers.
Touré, a powerful and dynamic midfielder, joined Manchester City in 2010 from Barcelona and quickly established himself as a fan favorite.
During his time at Manchester City, Touré played a crucial role in the team’s success, winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.
Touré’s physicality, stamina, and technique were unmatched, and he was a dominant force in midfield. He possessed the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and could switch from defense to attack with ease.
His goalscoring prowess was also a significant asset to the team, and he scored many crucial goals throughout his time at the club.
In conclusion, Yaya Touré’s impact on Manchester City during his time at the club cannot be overstated. He was a world-class player who played an integral role in the team’s success, and his contribution to the club will be remembered for many years to come.
8 Alan Oakes
Alan Oakes is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever worn the Manchester City jersey.
Born in Manchester in 1942, Oakes spent his entire career at Manchester City, spanning from 1959 to 1976.
He was a key player in the team that won the First Division title in 1968 and the FA Cup in 1969, and he was also the captain of the team for a number of years.
Oakes was an accomplished midfielder who had an incredible work ethic and was known for his versatility on the pitch.
He was capable of playing in a number of different positions, including central midfield, right-back, and center-back.
Perhaps one of Oakes’ greatest strengths was his longevity. He made a staggering 680 appearances for Manchester City, a record that still stands to this day.
His incredible consistency and reliability made him a mainstay in the team for nearly two decades, and he was widely respected by both teammates and opponents alike.
Oakes’ legacy at Manchester City is undeniable. He was a key figure in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, and he helped to establish Manchester City as a major force in English football.
7 Peter Doherty
Peter Doherty is undoubtedly one of the top-rated Manchester City players in history. Born in Northern Ireland in 1913, he played for the club between 1936 and 1945, and then again between 1949 and 1953.
What made Doherty stand out from other players was his incredible technical ability and skill on the ball. He was a gifted dribbler and had the ability to take on defenders and beat them with ease.
This made him a firm favorite with the fans, who loved to see him in action. He also had an eye for goal and was able to score some spectacular goals during his time at the club.
Doherty’s most significant contribution to Manchester City was helping them win the FA Cup in 1956. He was the manager of the team at the time, and he led them to victory over Birmingham City in the final. This was a historic moment for the club, and it was all thanks to Doherty’s leadership and tactical nous.
He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Manchester City’s history, and his name will forever be synonymous with the club.
6 Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is undoubtedly one of the best players to have ever donned the Manchester City jersey.
Since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2015, the Belgian midfielder has been a vital cog in the City machine, helping the club win multiple titles and breaking numerous records along the way.
With his incredible vision, passing range, and ability to score goals, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the best players in the world, and certainly one of the greatest Manchester City players of all time.
De Bruyne’s impact on Manchester City has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has won four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and five League Cups with the club, as well as playing a key role in their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2021.
He has also broken several individual records, including the record for most assists in a single Premier League season, which he set in the 2019-20 campaign with 20 assists.
His creativity and ability to control games have been instrumental in City’s success over the years, and he is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
De Bruyne’s contribution to Manchester City cannot be overstated. He has been a key player for the club in both attack and defense, helping to create countless goalscoring opportunities for his teammates while also putting in tireless defensive work.
His versatility and work rate make him an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s system, and he has consistently been one of City’s best performers in big games.
With many more years left in his career, fans can look forward to seeing even more incredible performances from this exceptional player.
5 Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany is undoubtedly one of the best Manchester City players of all time. The Belgian defender joined the club in 2008 from Hamburg and went on to captain the team to unprecedented success.
Kompany played a crucial role in Manchester City’s rise to dominance in the Premier League and the wider football world. He was a leader on and off the pitch, inspiring his teammates to give their all every time they stepped onto the field.
Kompany’s defensive qualities were second to none. He was an excellent reader of the game, blessed with incredible anticipation and positioning. His tackling and heading abilities were also top-notch.
Kompany had a physical presence that intimidated opposition attackers, and his commitment to the cause was unmatched. He was often called upon to make last-ditch tackles or blocks, and he delivered time and time again.
However, it wasn’t just Kompany’s defensive abilities that made him such a vital player for Manchester City. He was also a threat going forward.
Kompany scored some crucial goals for the team, most notably his stunning strike against Leicester City in 2019, which all but secured the Premier League title for City.
He also provided a steady presence at the back, allowing his fellow defenders to venture forward without fear of leaving the team exposed.
Kompany’s impact on Manchester City goes beyond just his on-field performances. He was a true leader, someone who inspired those around him to give their all.
His leadership qualities were evident in his vocal and passionate displays on the pitch, as well as in his interactions with fans and the media.
His legacy will continue to inspire players and fans alike, and his contributions to the club’s success will never be forgotten.
4 Bert Trautmann
Bert Trautmann is undoubtedly one of the best Manchester City players of all time. The German goalkeeper made a total of 545 appearances for the club between 1949 and 1964, cementing his place as a true legend at the Etihad Stadium.
Trautmann’s most famous moment in a City shirt came in the 1956 FA Cup final against Birmingham City when he played on despite breaking his neck in a collision with an opposition player.
This act of bravery earned Trautmann the respect and admiration of football fans worldwide, and he remains a revered figure in the sport to this day.
Trautmann was not only a brave goalkeeper but also an incredibly talented one. His performances between the sticks were often match-winning, as he made countless crucial saves to keep City in the game.
He was known for his agility, athleticism, and fearless approach to shot-stopping, and his contributions to the club’s success cannot be overstated.
He also became a beloved figure in Manchester, known for his affable personality and dedication to the club. Trautmann remained involved with City after his retirement as a player, working as a coach and ambassador for the club.
Overall, Bert Trautmann’s legacy at Manchester City is a testament to his skill, bravery, and dedication to the club.
3 Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best Manchester City players of all time. The Argentine striker has been an essential member of the club since he joined in 2011.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Aguero has been a prolific scorer, a tenacious competitor, and an inspirational leader.
He has played a crucial role in the club’s success, helping them to win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.
Aguero’s impact on Manchester City cannot be overstated. He has scored over 260 goals for the club, making him the all-time leading scorer.
He has also won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and five League Cups. Aguero’s goals have been critical to Manchester City’s success, with his dramatic last-minute strike against QPR in 2012 securing the club’s first Premier League title in 44 years.
He has consistently been one of the best strikers in the world, and his ability to score crucial goals in important games has made him a fan favorite.
Aguero’s skill, determination, and work ethic have also made him an inspirational figure at Manchester City. He has been a leader on and off the field, setting an example for his teammates with his hard work and commitment.
Aguero’s positive attitude and never-say-die spirit have been a driving force behind Manchester City’s success, and his dedication to the club has made him a true legend in the eyes of the fans.
2 Colin Bell
Colin Bell is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers to have played for Manchester City. Born in 1946, Bell joined the club in 1966 from Bury and quickly established himself as a key player.
Known as the “King of the Kippax” after the area of the stadium where City’s most passionate fans congregated, Bell was a box-to-box midfielder who possessed incredible stamina, technical ability, and a fierce will to win.
During his time at Manchester City, Bell won several honors including the First Division title in 1968 and the FA Cup in 1969.
Bell’s performances for Manchester City were so outstanding that he earned the nickname “Nijinsky” after the legendary racehorse due to his fluidity of movement and ability to cover ground quickly.
His contribution to the team’s success in the late 1960s and early 1970s was immeasurable and he set the standard for future generations of City players to follow.
In conclusion, Colin Bell is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Manchester City Players of All Time.
1 David Silva
David Silva, a Spanish midfielder who spent ten years with Manchester City, is undoubtedly one of the top ten best players to ever don the blue of Manchester City.
During his time with the club, Silva played a crucial role in transforming City into one of the top teams in the world.
Silva joined Manchester City in 2010 from Valencia and made an immediate impact. He was the heartbeat of the City midfield, providing creativity, vision, and calmness on the ball that few players possess.
Silva was an integral part of the Manchester City team that won four Premier League titles between 2012 and 2019. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create chances for his teammates was instrumental in the team’s success.
Silva’s technical ability and vision were unmatched, and he was often compared to some of the greats of the game. He had an exceptional passing range, and his ability to pick out a teammate with a perfectly weighted ball was unparalleled.
Silva’s impact on Manchester City was not limited to his on-field performances. He was a true leader on and off the pitch and was widely respected by his teammates and the City faithful.
Silva’s technical ability, vision, and leadership made him a true legend of the game and a beloved figure in Manchester City’s history.
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