Manchester City’s rise to dominance produced a run of modern greats, built on the foundations of beloved older heroes. These are the ten finest to wear sky blue.

1. 1

   Sergio Agüero

   Manchester City · Argentina

   The club’s all-time leading scorer, author of the most dramatic title-winning goal in Premier League history.

2. 2

   David Silva

   Manchester City · Spain

   El Mago, the midfield conductor at the heart of the club’s greatest sides.

3. 3

   Kevin De Bruyne

   Manchester City · Belgium

   One of the finest midfielders of his era, a relentless creator and driver of the treble winners.

4. 4

   Vincent Kompany

   Manchester City · Belgium

   The inspirational captain who led the club’s first modern titles.

5. 5

   Yaya Touré

   Manchester City · Ivory Coast

   A dominant, goalscoring midfielder who powered the club’s early championships.

6. 6

   Colin Bell

   Manchester City · England

   The King of the Kippax, the club’s greatest player of the successful 1960s and 70s.

7. 7

   Rodri

   Manchester City · Spain

   A 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and scorer of the club’s first Champions League-winning goal.

8. 8

   Bernardo Silva

   Manchester City · Portugal

   A tireless, versatile creator central to the treble-winning machine.

9. 9

   Erling Haaland

   Manchester City · Norway

   A record-shattering goalscorer who redefined single-season output on his arrival.

10. 10

    Francis Lee

    Manchester City · England

    A prolific, combative forward of the club’s trophy-laden late-1960s side.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.