The 25 Best Manchester City Players of the 21st Century – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Manchester City’s rise from a mid-table team in the early 2000s to a global powerhouse has been remarkable. Over the past 25 years, numerous players have shaped the club’s success, from loyal servants in difficult times to superstars of the modern era. Here is the definitive ranking of City’s 25 best players of the century so far — starting from the bottom and working our way up to number one.
25. Richard Dunne
Dunne was the rock at the heart of City’s defense long before the club became a superpower. A four-time Player of the Season winner, he stayed through relegation and helped guide the club back to the Premier League.
24. Shaun Goater
Goater was City’s talisman during their climb from Division Two to the top flight, finishing as the club’s top scorer for four consecutive seasons. His two goals against Manchester United in the final Maine Road derby made him a cult hero forever.
23. Edin Džeko
Often living in Sergio Agüero’s shadow, Džeko was nevertheless decisive in City’s first two title-winning seasons. His equalizer against QPR paved the way for Agüero’s legendary winner in 2012.
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22. Gareth Barry
Barry was one of the most important signings of City’s early modern era, offering midfield stability and control. His consistency was key in winning the club’s first Premier League title in 2012.
21. Shaun Wright-Phillips
An academy graduate who brought excitement with his electrifying wing play, Wright-Phillips was the club’s shining light before the Abu Dhabi takeover. His return from Chelsea in 2008 gave fans a nostalgic lift.
20. Carlos Tévez
The controversial Argentine made a huge impact by firing City into the Champions League and ending their 35-year trophy drought. Despite clashes with management, his goals were vital to City’s early success.
19. Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta became a fan favorite thanks to his relentless work-rate, defensive intelligence, and commitment to the badge. He made over 300 appearances and embodied City’s fighting spirit.
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18. Rúben Dias
Dias completely transformed City’s defense after arriving in 2020, helping them regain the league title. His leadership and composure made him one of Guardiola’s most crucial signings.
17. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez brought flair and creativity, scoring 78 goals and assisting 56 during his five years at City. He was a key figure in the club’s domestic dominance despite fierce competition for places.
16. Joe Hart
Before Ederson, Hart was City’s number one and won four Premier League Golden Gloves. His heroics in goal helped deliver two league titles and several domestic trophies.
15. John Stones
Stones developed into a unique defender-midfielder hybrid under Guardiola, earning the nickname “Barnsley Beckenbauer.” His technical ability and clutch goals made him a vital figure in City’s modern era.
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14. Kyle Walker
Walker’s pace and defensive solidity have been crucial to City’s system for years. He played a key role in the treble-winning 2022-23 season and remains one of the club’s most reliable performers.
13. Ederson
The Brazilian goalkeeper revolutionized City’s play with his passing and composure under pressure. His distribution allows City to dominate possession, while his saves have secured key victories.
12. Fernandinho
Fernandinho anchored City’s midfield for nearly a decade, covering multiple roles and leading by example. His tactical fouls and game intelligence became legendary under Guardiola.
11. Raheem Sterling
Sterling refined his game under Guardiola, becoming one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards. He contributed to four league titles and was a constant threat with his runs and cut-backs.
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10. Yaya Touré
Touré was a midfield powerhouse who scored vital goals, including in both the FA Cup semi-final and final of 2011. His 20-goal league season in 2013-14 was a driving force behind City’s second title.
9. Phil Foden
Foden has grown from academy prodigy to one of City’s most decisive players. With six league titles at just 24 years old, he is on track to become the club’s greatest-ever homegrown talent.
8. Erling Haaland
Haaland’s goal-scoring feats have been nothing short of historic, smashing the Premier League single-season record with 36 goals in his debut campaign. He is already rewriting City’s history books.
7. Rodri
The Spanish midfielder is the heartbeat of Guardiola’s side and was recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner. His match-winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final cemented his place among the greats.
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6. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo is the ultimate team player, capable of performing anywhere across midfield and attack. His intelligence and consistency make him indispensable for Guardiola’s system.
5. İlkay Gündoğan
Gündoğan was City’s clutch performer, scoring decisive goals when it mattered most, including a title-winning brace against Aston Villa. His leadership during the treble-winning season made him a legend.
4. Vincent Kompany
Kompany captained City through their most important era, winning 12 trophies and inspiring the squad with his leadership. His thunderbolt against Leicester in 2019 remains one of the most iconic goals in club history.
3. David Silva
Silva’s arrival elevated City’s style of play and helped turn them into serial winners. With 131 assists and 14 major trophies, “El Mago” is one of the club’s most beloved figures.
2. Sergio Agüero
Agüero’s 260 goals made him City’s first truly world-class striker of the Premier League era. His last-gasp winner against QPR in 2012 was the moment that changed City forever.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne is the greatest player in Manchester City’s history, combining creativity, vision, and consistency like no other. With over 270 goal contributions, he remains the heartbeat of the team and its ultimate playmaker.
