Manchester City Football Club has an incredibly interesting history that is filled with legendary players who’ve all graced the Etihad Stadium. This is a team that is now at the top of its game… not just in England but in Europe. Whether you look at Premier League or even Champions League betting today, Man City will be sitting right up there as favourites, boasting players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne – who have all had a massive impact on the team’s success. But how do they compare with Man City players of the past?
The debate about the best player in Manchester City’s history is a fierce one – and usually depends on personal preferences, the era – and the criteria for evaluating greatness. Here, we will look at some of the players who could well be considered some of the greatest in the history of the squad.
Francis Lee (1967-1974)
Starting our list, we have Francis Lee – famed for his goal-scoring prowess and his almost OTT playing style. Having scored 148 goals in 330 appearances, he played a massive role in the team’s First Division title win back in 1968 as well as their European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1970. He had a real knack of being able to find the back of the net, which sets him as a true legend of the club.
Kevin De Bruyne (2015-present)
A little bit more recently, we have Kevin De Bruyne, a Belgian superstar, who is widely considered to be one of the world’s best midfielders – and has become a true Man City talisman. His impressive vision, passing range and ability to dictate the game’s tempo have played a massive role in City’s domestic and European successes – including their recent (and perhaps overdue) UEFA Champions League win.
Bert Trautmann (1949-1964)
Going back a few years, Bert Trautmann’s remarkable story and achievements have more than secured his place among Man City’s greats. The German goalkeeper joined City just a few years after the end of World War II and soon became a club legend. He became famous for playing the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck – and, as such, his bravery and skill became the stuff of legends. His ability to hit that ball between the posts helped secure numerous domestic wins – winning the hearts of City fans in the process.
Vincent Kompany (2008-2019)
It would be a crime not to mention Vincent Kompany, the Belgian defensive stalwart, who embodied leadership and commitment during his long career at Man City. His fearsome presence at the back – along with his ability to score those all-important goals, made him an inspirational player with his teammates and his fans. His incredible long-range goal against Leicester City in the 2018-2019 season – securing the Premier League title is one of his greatest triumphs.
David Silva (2010-2020)
David Silva had an elegance and creativity that not only endeared him to fans – but it helped Man City rise to the top. Famous for his impressive technical ability and playmaking skills, he helped his team win four Premier League – and he helped to establish the team’s possession-based style.
Silva’s influence on the pitch – along with his ability to tear through defences have made him one of the team’s best-ever signings.
Sergio Agüero (2011-2021)
Next comes Sergio Agüero, who had an impact on Manchester City that simply cannot be overstated. The Argentine striker scored 260 goals in his 390 appearances and he was a major player in City’s success – helping them win their first Premier League title in 2012 with his dramatic stoppage-time last-minute goal. He is now remembered not only as one of the best strikers to ever play for Man City, but as one of the best strikers to ever grace English football.
Colin Bell (1966-1979)
Saving the best till last, we have Colin Bell, known as ‘The King of the Kippax’. Bell is widely regarded as the greatest player ever in Man City’s history. He possessed skill, vision and an exceptional passing ability that became key to the team’s numerous successes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During his time there, played a huge role in a number of domestic wins – including the First Division title in 1968 and the FA Cup in 1969. He was an incredible midfielder and a true leader both on and off the pitch.
Obviously, there are more who could be mentioned. Trying to whittle so many world-class players down to such a small list isn’t easy and there are many who may well deserve a place and who may well get a place on the list in future.