Manchester City, a club that once danced in the shadows of its more illustrious neighbors, has in the past few decades risen to become one of the most dominant forces in world football. From gritty battles in the lower leagues to Premier League titles, domestic trebles, and European glory, City’s evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary. But behind every trophy and every victory lies a group of iconic players who helped shape the club’s identity. Win Betting Tips will take you through time to revisit the careers of the 7 Manchester City best players- those who left indelible marks on the pitch, inspired generations of fans, and became legends in their own right.
Top 7 Manchester City best players in club history ranked
We rank the seven greatest Man City players of all time, exploring their contributions, ability, and impact on the team's success.
7. Francis Lee (1967–1974)
Francis Lee, affectionately known as “Franny,” was the embodiment of flair and finishing ability during his seven-year tenure at Manchester City. Arriving from Bolton Wanderers in 1967, Lee quickly made his presence felt at Maine Road. His ability to score with both feet, his tactical awareness, and his sheer aggression made him one of the most feared forwards of his generation.
Lee scored an incredible 148 goals in 330 appearances, a feat that placed him among the club’s top scorers of all time. But beyond the numbers, it was the manner of his play- intelligent, creative, and relentless- that won the hearts of City fans.
He played a vital role in City’s First Division title triumph in 1968 and was a key figure in the side that clinched the 1970 European Cup Winners’ Cup. Known for his tenacity and sometimes controversial style of play, Lee was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve- a true embodiment of City’s fighting spirit during a golden era.
6. Kevin De Bruyne (2015–Present)
Few players in modern football have redefined the role of the attacking midfielder quite like Kevin De Bruyne. Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgian international has been at the heart of Manchester City’s domestic and European success under Pep Guardiola.
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De Bruyne’s vision is often described as superhuman. His range of passing, ability to control the tempo of a game, and knack for arriving at just the right moment make him a once-in-a-generation talent. He has been the creative engine in multiple Premier League-winning sides, a consistent provider of assists, and a scorer of crucial goals.
Most notably, De Bruyne played an instrumental role in City’s historic treble in the 2022–23 season, which included their long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph. Though his career is still in progress, there is little doubt that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the greatest players to ever wear the sky blue.
5. Bert Trautmann (1949–1964)
If football is a story of bravery, resilience, and redemption, Bert Trautmann's tale is among the most compelling ever told. A former German paratrooper during World War II, Trautmann arrived in England under controversial circumstances but eventually became one of Manchester City’s most beloved figures.
Joining the club in 1949, he soon established himself as an elite goalkeeper. He made over 500 appearances for City, showcasing incredible agility, command, and fearlessness.
Trautmann’s finest hour came in the 1956 FA Cup final, when he continued playing despite suffering a broken neck after a collision with Birmingham City’s Peter Murphy. Not only did he finish the match, but he also made a series of remarkable saves that secured City’s victory. That moment transformed him from a controversial figure to a national hero and cemented his legacy in City folklore.
His story is not just about football; it’s about transformation, forgiveness, and becoming a legend against all odds.
4. Vincent Kompany (2008–2019)
The heart and soul of Manchester City’s defense for over a decade, Vincent Kompany was much more than a centre-back- he was a leader, an icon, and the spiritual captain of the club during its transformation into a footballing powerhouse.
Signed in 2008, before the era of billionaire owners and global stardom, Kompany saw the club evolve around him. Through it all, he remained the rock upon which City’s success was built. With his physical strength, sharp positioning, and undeniable charisma, Kompany marshaled City’s backline to four Premier League titles.
One of his most unforgettable contributions came in 2019, when he scored a stunning long-range goal against Leicester City late in the season. That goal essentially sealed the Premier League title in one of the tightest races ever, edging out Liverpool in dramatic fashion.
In many ways, Kompany symbolized the new era of Manchester City: ambitious, fearless, and always aiming higher.
3. David Silva (2010–2020)
When David Silva arrived in 2010, few could have predicted the transformative effect he would have on the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder brought with him a level of technical artistry rarely seen on English pitches. Nicknamed "El Mago" (The Magician), Silva was the silent assassin- soft-spoken off the pitch but lethal on it.
Over his decade at the club, Silva racked up over 400 appearances and was a key architect behind four Premier League titles. His spatial awareness, delicate touches, and inch-perfect passes helped unlock even the most stubborn defenses. He played an essential role in changing Manchester City’s style of play, ushering in an era of dominance based on possession and elegance.
More than stats and accolades, Silva brought a sense of grace to the game. Watching him play was like watching poetry in motion. For many fans, he was the player who redefined what Manchester City stood for.
2. Sergio Agüero (2011–2021)
No list of Manchester City legends is complete without Sergio Agüero. The Argentine striker arrived from Atlético Madrid in 2011 and went on to become City’s all-time leading goalscorer, with an astonishing 260 goals in 390 appearances.
Agüero’s most iconic moment, of course, came in May 2012. With City trailing in the final moments of their last Premier League match, they needed a win to secure the title. Enter Agüero, who scored the most dramatic goal in English football history- a stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers that delivered the club’s first league title in 44 years.
But Agüero was much more than just that moment. He was consistently brilliant over a decade, scoring hat-tricks, solo goals, and crucial winners. His chemistry with fellow stars like Silva, Yaya Touré, and Kevin De Bruyne helped shape one of the most potent attacking forces the league has ever seen.
Agüero will forever be remembered not just as a legend of Manchester City, but as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
1. Colin Bell (1966–1979)
Topping the list is Colin Bell, a name synonymous with excellence, elegance, and enduring loyalty. Known affectionately as “The King of the Kippax” after the famous stand at Maine Road, Bell is widely regarded as the greatest player to have ever pulled on the Manchester City shirt.
Joining from Bury in 1966, Bell became the centerpiece of a golden City side that won the First Division in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969, and the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970. He was the complete midfielder- dynamic, industrious, and intelligent. His tireless work rate matched his sublime technique, and he had a knack for arriving in the box at just the right moment to score.
Bell’s career was unfortunately curtailed by a serious knee injury in 1975, but his impact had already been made. Even decades after his retirement, his name is still sung by fans, and the Colin Bell Stand at the Etihad Stadium stands as a permanent tribute to his brilliance.
In summary
In conclusion, Manchester City best players have left an indelible mark on the club's history. Their remarkable talents, unforgettable moments, and unwavering dedication have not only shaped the success of the team but also elevated City to the heights of both domestic and European football. These legends have become synonymous with excellence, inspiring future generations of footballers and fans alike. As the club continues to evolve, the legacy of these iconic players will always remain a testament to what makes Manchester City one of the greatest football clubs in the world.
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