The 10 Greatest Manchester City Players of the 21st Century

Manchester City’s transformation from an underachieving Premier League side to a European powerhouse is one of the most compelling stories in modern football. Fueled by the 2008 takeover and guided by top-tier managerial appointments, City’s rise has been orchestrated by a parade of world-class talents who have not only lifted trophies but also redefined the club’s identity.

In this ranking, we look at the ten greatest Manchester City players of the 21st century — players whose contributions in terms of performance, silverware, longevity, and influence have left a permanent imprint on the blue side of Manchester.

10. Phil Foden

At just 24, Phil Foden already embodies the dreams of the Manchester City academy. A local lad with unmatched technical ability, Foden has become a vital cog in Guardiola’s ever-evolving machine. With six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League medal, Foden has accomplished more than most players do in a lifetime.

His ability to perform on the biggest stages, including winning the Premier League Player of the Season in 2023–24, shows maturity far beyond his years. The future looks even brighter for a player already living a legend’s trajectory.

9. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland may have only arrived at the Etihad in 2022, but his impact has been seismic. The Norwegian forward broke the Premier League’s single-season goalscoring record in his debut campaign, netting 36 goals and a jaw-dropping 52 across all competitions.

He was the spearhead of City’s treble-winning side in 2022–23 and earned accolades such as UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and Premier League Golden Boot. Few players have left such a lasting impression in such a short time.

8. Yaya Touré

When City needed a game-changer, Yaya Touré delivered. The Ivorian midfielder was the driving force behind many of City’s key moments. His 2011 FA Cup heroics—scoring the decisive goals in both the semi-final and final—brought the club its first major silverware in decades.

Touré’s 20-goal season from midfield in 2013–14 and his three Premier League titles solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant and versatile midfielders in English football history.

7. Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva’s tactical intelligence, versatility, and relentless energy make him one of the most valuable assets in Guardiola’s era. Whether operating in central midfield or out wide, Silva always delivers with flair and consistency.

A cornerstone of City’s Champions League triumph and a 5-time Premier League champion, he’s made 18 major trophies look routine. His dribbling and game awareness set him apart as a world-class performer.

6. Rodri

Rodri is the heartbeat of Manchester City’s current dominance. The Spanish midfielder’s ability to dictate tempo, break up play, and score vital goals—most notably the winner in the 2023 Champions League final—has made him indispensable.

He went unbeaten through the entire 2023–24 Premier League season and recently became the first Manchester City player ever to win the Ballon d’Or. If his career continues on this trajectory, he could rise even higher in these rankings.

5. Ilkay Gündogan

Guardiola’s first signing as City manager became the silent orchestrator of some of the club’s most defining moments. Gündogan’s intelligence and calmness under pressure were pivotal in title deciders and cup finals.

His brace in the 2023 FA Cup final against Manchester United and his goals in the title-deciding matches of 2021 and 2022 are etched in history. As the captain of the treble-winning team, his leadership and poise were irreplaceable.

4. Vincent Kompany

No list of City legends would be complete without Vincent Kompany. The commanding centre-back was the cornerstone of City’s defense for over a decade, lifting four Premier League titles during his 11-season stay.

His unforgettable thunderbolt against Leicester in 2019 remains a defining moment in a tense title race. More than just a player, Kompany was a symbol of City’s ambition and resilience.

3. David Silva

Known as ‘El Mago’ (The Magician), David Silva brought elegance and control to a Premier League once dominated by brute force. With over 130 goal contributions in 436 appearances, Silva was the midfield maestro of a new era.

He helped reshape Manchester City’s playing identity, guiding the team to four league titles and laying the foundation for the beautiful football the club now consistently produces.

2. Kevin De Bruyne

Arguably the finest passer in the modern game, Kevin De Bruyne has revolutionized the attacking midfield role. With over 170 assists and a host of double-digit goal seasons, his creativity and intelligence are second to none.

He has won the Premier League Playmaker Award three times and has been named Player of the Season twice. Despite recent injuries, he remains indispensable and continues to define an era for City.

1. Sergio Agüero

The crown jewel of Manchester City’s modern legacy, Sergio Agüero is the club’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals in 390 appearances. His last-minute goal against QPR in 2012 delivered the most dramatic title win in Premier League history.

Beyond that moment, Agüero consistently delivered on the biggest stages, winning five Premier League titles and becoming one of the league’s greatest-ever strikers. His legacy is eternal—he didn’t just score goals, he defined an era.

From Academy dreamers like Foden to goal-scoring legends like Agüero, Manchester City’s journey through the 21st century has been a testament to evolution, ambition, and brilliance on the pitch. These ten icons helped turn a sleeping giant into one of the greatest clubs in world football.