Since the Abu Dhabi United Group bought Manchester City in 2008, there have been some big-name captains who have brought tremendous success to the club. However, before the takeover, City often had captains who struggled in teams that had to fight relegation battles.
Every Man City captain of the Premier League era ranked from worst to best
16. Kit Symons
There is no doubt that Kit Symons was a good player and a leader. However, during his tenure as Man City captain, they were relegated from the Premier League and then dropped down to the third tier.
15. Keith Curle
Most fans will know Keith Curle for being a manager in the EFL at clubs including Northampton Town and Carlisle United. However, he was a good player for City, where he earned a place in the England squad. His time as City captain was less successful as the club was relegated from the Premier League during the 1995/96 season.
14. Alfie Haaland
City fans have recently seen a lot more of Alfie Haaland since his son, Erling, is now the club's star striker. Alfie Haaland captained City during the 2000/2001 campaign, but they were relegated at the end of it.
13. Terry Phelan
Terry Phelan was City's captain during the first Premier League campaign, where the club finished ninth.
12. Ali Benarbia
Ali Benarbia helped City to promotion from the First Division to the Premier League. He was then named club captain and helped the side finish ninth.
11. Kolo Toure
Kolo Toure joined Manchester City from Arsenal at a time when the club was signing a lot of top players from the Gunners. Mark Hughes made Toure captain, and the club finished fifth in the Premier League. However, when Roberto Mancini became the boss at City, the armband was passed to Carlos Tevez.
10. Carlos Tevez
Tevez was City captain for just one season, which ended with the club winning the FA Cup. However, he was clearly not captain material as he went on strike the following campaign.
9. David Silva
David Silva was a key part of City becoming a title-winning side. He was rewarded for this by being given the armband for the 2019/2020 season. This was after Vincent Kompany had left the club. It was more of a sentimental appointment as it was going to be Silva's final campaign with the club. Silva still led the club to a League Cup victory.
8. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne was briefly City's captain after Kyle Walker had gone on loan to AC Milan. It was somewhat another sentimental gesture as De Bruyne was going to leave City at the end of the 2024/25 season. However, there is no doubting De Bruyne's leadership qualities.
De Bruyne was the captain during a difficult season, where they finished third in the league and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. The Belgian was still given a proper send-off due to the tremendous success he brought to the club.
7. Sylvain Distin
Sylvain Distin was City captain when the club was a mid-table team. He was a solid defender who went on to also play for Portsmouth and Everton.
6. Bernardo Silva
City's current captain's tenure is still up for debate as the Premier League title is still up for grabs. If City manages to stay ahead of Arsenal, then it may have to be ranked higher in this list. Silva has already won the EFL Cup this season, and they could also win the FA Cup, having got to the final. This is also Silva's final season, so it is a theme that City's notable players get rewarded with the armband for their final campaign.
5. Richard Dunne
Richard Dunne is probably the most notable Premier League player for City prior to the investment from Abu Dhabi. His early years at City were mixed as they were relegated but then promoted back from the First Division. Dunne succeeded Distin as City's captain and helped the club remain without any relegation fears.
4. Kyle Walker
When Ilkay Gundogan left City in 2003, Walker became captain when many thought the role would go to De Bruyne. Walker was still an excellent choice for the club. Walker's tenure at the club ended unceremoniously, however. He went on loan to Milan, with the club struggling, which was met with much criticism. He then joined Burnley.
3. Fernandinho
Often underrated, as City have had so many stars in recent seasons. Also, Fernandinho's tenure as City's defensive midfielder was sandwiched between Yaya Toure's and Rhodri's spells at the club. Following the departure of Silva, Fernandinho became captain, where there was continued success.
During Fernandinho's tenure as captain, City won two Premier League titles and the League Cup. The Brazilian then left the club to return to his home country with Athletico Paranaense.
2. Ilkay Gündoğan
Gündoğan was City's captain during their tremendous treble-winning campaign of 2022/23. Lifting the Champions League is what no other City captain has done. That campaign was also his final at the club before he departed for Barcelona.
1. Vincent Kompany
Kompany has to be the number one. He led the club to its first Premier League title in the 2011/12 season. Although Tevez wore the armband in the FA Cup final of 2011, Kompany was the real leader of the side.
The defender led City to four Premier League titles in total, another FA Cup, and three EFL Cups. Kompany led the club from the heart of defence. No doubt, the most legendary captain of the club in the Premier League era. His leadership cannot be questioned as he is now at the manager of Bayern Munich, where he continues to win more trophies.
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