Manchester City has risen to become one of the most successful and admired football clubs in the world, especially in the last decade. The impressive achievements of the team are not only the result of tactics and investment but also thanks to the outstanding talent of the players who have worn the blue shirt of the club. From the legends who have left a deep mark in history to the current stars who continue to conquer the top, they are the important factors that create the identity and strength of Manchester City. Below Bestsoccertips.com shares a list of Manchester City best players, the names that have contributed to making a name for themselves and inspiring fans around the world.
Top 10 Manchester City best players
Below is a list of the top 10 Manchester City FC best players, the stars who have contributed to the club’s brand and resounding success.
Top 10: Yaya Touré
- Position: Midfielder
- Current Club: Retired
- Previous Clubs: Qingdao Huanghai, Olympiacos, Manchester City, Barcelona, Monaco, Metalurh Donetsk, Beveren
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1983
- Awards: Ivory Coast Player of the Year (2009), African Footballer of the Year (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), BBC African Footballer of the Year (2013, 2015), Manchester City Player of the Year (2013/14), FWA Tribute Award
Yaya Touré is considered one of the best player of Manchester City. Not only was he prolific in scoring, but his all-around gameplay made him a vital figure. Over 292 appearances and 81 goals from 2010 to 2018, Touré played a pivotal role in the club’s tactics. Known primarily as a defensive midfielder, he had the ability to seamlessly transition between defense and attack, providing balance that helped Man City control matches effectively. His multiple African Footballer of the Year awards and Man City Player of the Year 2013/14 highlight his immense impact on the team.
From a betting perspective, understanding Yaya Touré’s influence during his time at Man City can help bettors accurately assess the strength of the midfield core and its effect on match outcomes. When Touré was on the pitch, Man City often showed stable performance with superior ball control and created scoring opportunities from quick transitions. Studying the playing style and historical impact of players like Touré allows bettors to identify key tactical factors, improving predictions on match developments and final results.
Top 9: Colin Bell
- Position: Midfielder
- Previous Clubs: San Jose Earthquakes, Manchester City, Bury
- Date of Birth: January 5, 1946
- Awards: English Football Hall of Fame, Order of the British Empire, 100 Football Legends, Manchester City Hall of Fame.
Colin Bell is a legendary figure of Manchester City’s golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With 498 appearances and 153 goals, Bell was not only the heart of Man City’s play but also a creative spark in midfield. His stamina, technical skills, and crucial goals contributed to the club’s First Division title in 1967/68 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1969/70. Loved by fans, Bell is widely recognized as one of the most complete midfielders in English football history.
Colin Bell – The all-round midfielder, an immortal icon with exemplary fighting spirit and absolute loyalty
In betting contexts, understanding the impact of legends like Colin Bell offers deeper insight into Manchester City’s tactical identity and playing culture. Teams featuring midfielders with game control and scoring ability like Bell tend to dominate and attack relentlessly — key factors when considering goal totals or Asian handicap bets. Periods when the club possessed outstanding central players often coincide with impressive winning streaks, providing strong bases for betting on form trends.
Top 8: Bert Trautmann
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Previous Clubs: Wellington Town, Manchester City, St Helens Town
- Date of Birth: October 22, 1923
- Awards: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Order of the British Empire, English Football Hall of Fame, German Sports Hall of Fame.
Bert Trautmann is one of the legendary goalkeepers closely tied to Manchester City’s history, renowned not only for his talent but also for an extraordinary life story. From a WWII German soldier to a Man City icon, he played 508 matches between 1949 and 1964. The unforgettable highlight was the 1956 FA Cup final, where he played the last 15 minutes with a broken neck, helping City win. His bravery, excellent shot-stopping, and loyalty make him forever beloved by fans.
For football betting, the role of a top-class keeper like Trautmann greatly influences bets related to goals conceded and clean sheets. When Man City had such a solid defensive figure, the team’s goals-against ratio was low, making under goals or clean sheet bets more reliable. Knowing the historical impact of players like Trautmann helps bettors gain comprehensive views of the team and improve tactical analysis for betting decisions.
Top 7: Erling Haaland
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Previous Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg, Model, Bryne
- Date of Birth: July 21, 2000
- Awards: ESPN Forward of the Year (2022/23), UEFA Champions League Breakthrough Team (2019), Premier League Player of the Season (2022/23), UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2022/23), FIFA Best Men’s Player (2023), Ballon d’Or Runner-Up (2023).
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker, created a sensation at Manchester City from his debut 2022/23 season. With 36 goals in just 35 Premier League appearances, Haaland broke scoring records and quickly became a club legend. With ideal physicality, sharp finishing, and explosive speed, he is an indispensable spearhead in Pep Guardiola’s attacking system. Despite a short time at the club, he has proven his value as a world-class superstar.
From a betting standpoint, Haaland’s presence is crucial in predicting outcomes and selecting suitable bets. When a high-scoring player like Haaland plays, over goals markets become more attractive and likely to win. Additionally, props such as first goalscorer, top scorer in the match, or bets based on Haaland’s form offer strategic choices for bettors. Understanding Haaland’s excellence helps bettors make more accurate predictions in Manchester City games.
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Top 6: Raheem Sterling
- Position: Winger
- Current Club: Chelsea FC
- Previous Clubs: Manchester City, Liverpool
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1994
- Awards: PFA Young Player of the Year (2018/19), FWA Footballer of the Year (2018/19).
Raheem Sterling was a key attacking player for Manchester City from 2015 to 2022. With 339 appearances and 131 goals, he left a deep mark in the club’s history as one of its top all-time scorers. His pace, intelligent off-the-ball movement, and sharpness in the box made him a constant threat to Premier League defenses. Sterling contributed significantly to Man City’s impressive trophy haul under Pep Guardiola, including multiple league titles and domestic cups.
For betting, Sterling was a reliable factor for goalscorer bets, over goals, or shots on target markets. His consistent form and ability to perform in big matches made him a focus in pre-match betting analysis. Evaluating Sterling’s role helps bettors predict the attacking strength and tactical setup of Man City, an advantage when choosing bets related to goals or exact scores.
Top 5: Sergio Agüero
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Retired
- Previous Clubs: Barcelona, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Independiente
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1988
- Awards: Manchester City Player of the Year (2011/12, 2014/15), Man City Goal of the Season (2011/12), Premier League Hall of Fame.
Sergio Agüero, also known as “Kun,” is the greatest legend in Manchester City’s history. With 260 goals over more than a decade from 2011 to 2021, he holds the club’s all-time scoring record. His most iconic moment was the last-minute goal against QPR in 2011/12 that clinched Man City’s first Premier League title since 1968, marking a historic turning point for the club’s new era.
In betting, Agüero was a golden pick for first goalscorer, top scorer, and over goals markets. His steady scoring, especially in crucial games, helped bettors anticipate scorelines and match scenarios. Although retired early due to heart issues, rumors of his return in 2023 sparked curiosity and betting interest, particularly in exhibition or special friendly matches.
Top 4: David Silva
- Position: Midfielder
- Current Club: Retired
- Previous Clubs: Real Sociedad, Manchester City, Celta, Eibar, Valencia, Valencia B
- Date of Birth: January 8, 1986
- Awards: Pedro Zaballa Award (2005), Most Assists in Premier League (2011/12), Prince of Asturias Award (2010), Royal Sports Medal.
David Silva was the creative icon of Manchester City throughout their golden decade from 2010 to 2020. With 436 appearances and 77 goals, Silva’s greatest strength lay in his playmaking—ranking among Premier League’s top assist providers with 93 assists for Man City. His silky technique, tactical vision, and precise passing earned him the nickname “Magician” in midfield, helping City control matches and break defenses with pinpoint passes.
In betting, Silva’s presence often correlates with markets involving goals and assists. When Silva played, Man City’s attack operated efficiently due to his chance creation, making over goals and goalscorer bets (for players assisted by him) more successful. Evaluating Silva’s influence helps bettors identify City’s controlling and dominant playing style, aiding in selections for handicaps and correct score bets.
Top 3: Francis Lee
- Position: Forward
- Current team: N/A
- Previous teams: Derby County, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers.
- Date of birth: 29 April 1944
- Awards: Manchester City Player of the Year (1970) Football League First Division Golden Boot (1971/72) Order of the British Empire.
Francis Lee was one of Manchester City’s greatest ever goalscorers, playing a key role in the club’s golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With 148 goals in 330 appearances between 1967 and 1974, Lee was renowned for his sharp goalscoring instincts, clinical finishing and tenacity. He was instrumental in City winning the 1967/68 league title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup – trophies that helped build the club’s history.
From a betting perspective, players like Francis Lee are a prime example of a ‘key striker’, offering a lot of winning opportunities for punters betting on goals or match results. When a consistent striker like Lee is on the pitch, over/under goals and goalscorer bets become more attractive and predictable. Furthermore, understanding the influence of legends like Lee in each period gives players a historical insight into Manchester City’s strength – an important factor in analyzing the team’s trends and form in modern matches.
Top 2: Vincent Kompany
- Position: Defender (centre-back)
- Current team: Burnley (Manager)
- Previous teams: Manchester City, Anderlecht and Hamburger SV.
- Date of birth: 10 April 1986
- Awards: Premier League Hall of Fame, Premier League Player of the Season (2011/12), BBC Goal of the Season (2018/19).
Vincent Kompany is one of the greatest legends in Manchester City’s history and a prominent symbol of modern Belgian football. Starting his career at the club in 2008, Kompany spent more than a decade with the club, becoming an irreplaceable pillar in the defense. With his determination, technique and strong fighting spirit, he quickly won the trust of the coaching staff and fans, contributing to turning Manchester City from a mid-table team into a leading force in the Premier League and Europe.
As captain, Kompany not only demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities but also led the team on its journey to glory. He made a deep impression when he led Manchester City to their first Premier League title since 1968, ending a decades-long title drought. In addition, Kompany also won many other major and minor titles with the team such as the FA Cup and the League Cup, contributing greatly to the brilliant era of Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. With such irreplaceable contributions, Kompany has forever written his name in the glorious history of the club.
Top 1: Kevin De Bruyne
- Position: Midfielder
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Previous Clubs: Genk, Chelsea, Wolfsburg
- Date of Birth: June 28, 1991
- Awards: PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2019/20, 2020/21), Premier League Playmaker of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, UEFA Midfielder of the Year.
Kevin De Bruyne is considered one of the best midfielders in the world and arguably the greatest playmaker in Manchester City’s history. Since joining in 2015, his exceptional passing, vision, and shooting ability have been central to the team’s success. De Bruyne’s influence extends beyond scoring and assists—he controls the tempo of matches and orchestrates attacks with precision. His numerous individual awards and Man City’s multiple titles during his tenure confirm his elite status.
For betting, De Bruyne’s presence is a strong indicator of attacking dominance and creative efficiency. Matches with him on the pitch often feature numerous goal chances and high possession. This translates into profitable bets on over goals, assists, exact score predictions, and player-specific markets. Understanding De Bruyne’s role helps bettors make more informed decisions by appreciating the tactical backbone of Man City’s strategy.
Final Thoughts
Manchester City is not only a club with illustrious titles but also the home of many excellent players, stars who have contributed to creating history and raising the team on the world football map. From legendary legends to modern stars, each Manchester City best players has left a distinct mark with their talent and dedication. It is the combination of these excellent individuals that has built a strong, unique Manchester City and is always a formidable opponent in every arena. Therefore, when mentioning Man City, it is impossible not to mention the outstanding players who are the heart and soul of the team.
