Man City is one of the oldest clubs in the Premier League with many achievements and events in the past. This club also holds many outstanding star players who stand out in their generation. So who are the most prominent legendary Man City players through each period? Let’s find out with bestsoccertips about the top 10 best Man City players of all time who have made indelible marks and become symbols of City’s success.
Top 10 best man city players of all time
1. Sergio Aguero (2011-2021) – 260 goals
Sergio Aguero is the all-time leading goal scorer for Manchester City with an impressive tally of 260 goals across official competitions. The Argentine forward played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s success, winning 5 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 FA Community Shield, and reaching the final of the Champions League during his tenure from 2011 to 2021.
Aguero cemented his status as a legend in Manchester City’s history. The Argentine football star left an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable career and record-breaking goal-scoring feats. Born on June 2, 1988, Aguero, standing at 173 cm tall and weighing 70 kg, started his career at Independiente in his native Argentina before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2006. He then joined Manchester City in 2011 and became an icon for the club in the ensuing decade.
Aguero also represented the Argentina national team from 2006 to 2021, participating in 4 World Cups and 3 Copa Americas. Notably, Aguero clinched the Copa America title with Argentina in 2021. Known for his agility, versatility, and clinical finishing ability, Aguero excelled in ball control and fluid movement in tight spaces, coupled with finesse in headers and shots.
2. Eric Brook (1927 – 1940) – 177 goals
Eric Brook is one of Manchester City’s legendary players of the 1930s. Despite his career at the club spanning over a century ago, he is still remembered for his significant contributions. Born on November 27, 1907, and passing away on March 29, 1965, in England, Eric Fred Brook joined Manchester City in 1928. Brook became an integral part of the team for 12 years from 1927 to 1940, renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, tallying 177 goals for the club during this period.
He was a clever forward, adept at creating opportunities and finishing effectively. Brook’s playing style was praised for its versatility and finesse, especially in using his left foot.
Brook helped Manchester City achieve several successes, including winning the FA Cup in 1934 and the Division One (now Premier League) title in 1937. After leaving Manchester City in 1940, Brook continued his career at other clubs before retiring from the game. Though no longer alive, Eric Brook’s name and goal-scoring record are still commemorated and honored in Manchester City’s history.
3. Tommy Johnson (1920-1931) – 166 goals
With 166 goals in 8 seasons, Johnson stood out as a prominent player for Man City in the 1920s. He played for major clubs like Aston Villa, Everton, and Derby County. However, he is best known for his association with Man City from 1920 to 1931, where he scored 166 goals.
Johnson was a versatile forward with technical ability and sharpness in seizing goal-scoring opportunities. He was also recognized for his ball control and finesse in creating goal-scoring chances for teammates.
Throughout his career, Johnson garnered several honors and achievements, including winning the FA Cup with Aston Villa in 1920 and a second FA Cup with Man City in 1930. He also contributed significantly to the club’s Division One championship in 1936/1937.
Despite no longer being alive, Tommy Johnson’s legacy is respected and remembered in the English football community. It’s the memories of the remarkable moments and achievements he left in the annals of English football.
4. Joe Hayes (1925-1936) – 152 goals
Joe Hayes, a Manchester City legend, dedicated himself to the club from 1925 to 1936, becoming an integral part of the team. During this period, he scored 152 goals, contributing significantly to the club. Additionally, Joe Hayes earned call-ups to the England national team during his career and made significant contributions there as well.
Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and talent in creating goal-scoring opportunities for teammates, Joe Hayes had excellent control inside the box and was a specialist in ball touches and finishes. With 152 goals in his Manchester City career, Joe Hayes played a significant role in the club’s success. Currently, Joe Hayes may have retired from his playing career. However, his legacy and contributions to Manchester City’s history are still remembered and honored.
5. Colin Bell (1966-1979) – 152 goals
Colin Bell, one of Manchester City’s legends, played for the club from 1966 to 1979. He played a crucial role in the team, scoring 152 goals in 492 appearances for Manchester City.
Bell was known for his intelligent, versatile, and creative playing style. He was a central midfielder with a strong goal-scoring ability, as well as being creative in creating chances for teammates.
Colin Bell achieved numerous titles during his career with Manchester City, including the English Premier League and FA Cup. He was also honored with several individual awards, including being selected in the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) Team of the Year and being named in the Football League 100 Legends list.
As of now, Colin Bell has retired and become a significant icon for Manchester City. He is honored through the naming of a section of the Etihad Stadium – “The Colin Bell Stand,” in recognition of his great contributions to the club.
6. Billy Meredith (1894-1906, 1921-1924) – 151 goals
Billy Meredith, born on July 30, 1874, was a renowned Welsh footballer who passed away on April 19, 1958. He played for Man City from 1894 to 1906 and again from 1921 to 1924.
During his time at Manchester City, Billy Meredith scored 151 goals, significantly contributing to the club’s success. The player also contributed to the club’s Second Division win in the 1898–99 season and the FA Cup win in the 1903–04 season.
Meredith was known for his exceptional technical ability and speed. He had excellent ball control and created scoring opportunities for teammates. He is considered one of Manchester City’s legendary players from the 1890s and 1900s.
7. Francis Lee (1967-1974) – 148 goals
Francis Lee was a key player in Manchester City’s 1960s and 1970s era. Specifically, he played for the club from 1967 to 1974, scoring 148 goals in 10 seasons. Francis Lee was a powerful forward with speed and excellent individual skills. He was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and the pressure he put on opposing defenses.
During his career, Lee won numerous titles with Manchester City, including the English Premier League and FA Cup. Lee was part of the team that achieved the treble in 1970.
He was also honored with several individual awards, such as being selected in the PFA Team of the Year and winning the PFA Player of the Year award.
Francis Lee retired after finishing his playing career and continued to be involved in football as a former player and manager. He is still considered an icon of Manchester City and an integral part of the club’s history.
8. Tommy Browell (1910-1923) – 139 goals
Tommy Browell, a Manchester City legend, left a deep mark in the club’s history. He played for Manchester City throughout his career and became one of the club’s most important players in the early 20th century, specifically from 1910 to 1923.
Tommy Browell scored a total of 139 goals in 8 seasons. He was known for his goal-scoring ability and excellent technical skills. He was a powerful forward who used his body to hold the ball and create scoring opportunities for teammates.
With 139 goals in his Manchester City career, Browell contributed significantly to the club’s success. His legacy and achievements in Manchester City’s history are recognized and honored to this day. Generations of Manchester City players have been inspired by this talented player.
9. Manchester City legend Eric Cantona (1888-1902) – 134 goals
Eric Cantona, a famous French player, played for Man City from the 1888 season to 1902. Cantona was born on May 24, 1966, in Marseille, France. Cantona joined Man City in 1988 and played for the club for 5 seasons. He scored a total of 137 goals, becoming one of the top goal scorers in the club’s history in a short period.
Cantona was known for his individualistic, courageous playing style, and creativity in every situation. He was also famous for his ball control technique and long-range shooting ability, as well as creating opportunities for teammates.
Cantona won many individual and team honors during his career, including five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title with Manchester City. He also won several individual awards, including the Premier League Golden Boot.
10. Fred Tilson (1928-1938) – 132 goals
Fred Tilson is one of the Manchester City legends from 1928 to 1938. He scored a total of 134 goals in 10 seasons, playing an important role in the club’s successes during that period. Fred Tilson was known as a powerful forward with excellent goal-scoring ability. He combined speed, strength, and the ability to finish chances.
Tilson won several significant titles with Manchester City, including the English Premier League and FA Cup. He was also honored for scoring a large number of goals and helping the club achieve impressive records during his playing time.
Conclude
Above is a list of the best Man City players of all time who left the deepest mark with the huge number of goals in the club’s history. Each has made important contributions that made the club what it is today. Please refer to more relevant information here for details.
See also: Top 10 PSG best players of all time
