In 2008, Manchester City underwent a seismic shift that has altered the landscape of English football, producing talents and being a platter of and for legends.
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan spearheaded the takeover, acquiring the club from ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The quaking history of Manchester City forged by legends
What ensued was a remarkable transformation, as Manchester City evolved from a mid-table outfit to a powerhouse of English premier league and European football.
Manchester City have spent nearly £2 billion on transfer fees since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover.
It has been nearly 16 years since Manchester City was taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group, headed by the deputy prime minister of Dubai and billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have won the Premier League title in five of the last six seasons and broken the record for most points in a single season, 100.
Additionally, they have also won the prestigious Champions League trophy, defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul in the final of the 2022/23 season, after so many failed attempts, they finally got their hands on the most illustrious trophy, an achievement Sheikh Mansour would not have envisaged when he bought the club.
Pep Guardiola being a center piece to the Cityzens current successes
Pep Guardiola has also brought an eye-catching style of football to the Etihad Stadium known as “Tiki Taka” and the successes accompanying this system have been outstanding.
The city football group has also managed to be a major pull for world-class talents evident with the acquisition of star players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva just to mention a few, in recent years.
Although the first two seasons after Sheikh Mansour bought the club the Manchester City side then was far from what it is currently.
The 2008/2009 Season saw the Cityzens sign a plethora of stars that did not work out under the then Manager Sven Goran Erikson.
The likes of Robinho, who signed from Real Madrid but failed to deliver after their initial promise, Shay Given, Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, Nigel De Jong, and Gareth Barry all failed to impress after arriving for hefty sums of money.
It wasn’t until the 2010/2011 season under Italian coach Roberto Mancini did the citizens start getting the right players in the right position.
Although they had to pay through their nose, it was worth it as they were the players that started the successful period of Manchester City dominance under Sheik Mansour.
Central to this transformation were the stellar acquisitions of some of football’s finest talents.
Names like David Silva, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Aguero became an important piece of the puzzle that propelled Manchester City’s rise to prominence, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s legacy.
Manchester City Legends
Let’s take a look at the best City signings and how they have impacted the team
David Silva: The Magician (Rating: 10/10)
David Silva (£26m): The first big-name arrival under Mansour, Silva is etched into the club’s history after a glorious trophy-laden decade at the club.
Affectionately known as “El Mago,” epitomized elegance and artistry on the pitch. Arriving from Valencia in 2010, Silva’s mesmerizing dribbling, incisive passing, and knack for timely goals endeared him to the City faithfuls.
His impact transcended statistics, as he orchestrated Manchester City’s midfield with poise and precision.
Silva’s influence extended beyond the pitch, as he embodied the club’s values and ethos, serving as a beacon of professionalism and humility.
His contribution to City’s success, including four Premier League titles and two FA Cups, cements his status as a true City legend.
Yaya Toure: The Enforcer (Rating: 10/10)
Yaya Toure’s arrival in 2010 heralded a new era of dominance for Manchester City. One of the best players Africa has ever produced, this midfield general delivered so many critical moments for the club in their meteoric rise.
A commanding presence in midfield, Toure combined physicality with finesse, dictating play and driving City forward with his surging runs and thunderous strikes.
His memorable goals in crucial moments, notably in cup finals and title deciders, solidified his status as a City icon.
Toure’s influence extended beyond his on-field exploits, as he provided invaluable leadership and mentorship to his teammates.
His role in Manchester City’s historic domestic treble in 2018/19 showcased his enduring quality and significance to the club’s success.
Vincent Kompany: The Rock (Rating: 10/10)
Vincent Kompany epitomized resilience and determination during his illustrious tenure at Manchester City.
Arriving from Hamburg in 2008, Kompany quickly established himself as the heart and soul of City’s defense, marshaling the backline with authority and composure.
His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment endeared him to fans, earning him the nickname “Captain Fantastic.”
Kompany’s defining moment came in the 2018/19 Premier League season, as his iconic long-range strike against Leicester City propelled City to their fourth league title in eight years.
Beyond his on-field heroics, Kompany’s influence extended to the dressing room, where his presence inspired those around him to reach greater heights.
Sergio Aguero: The Goal Machine (Rating: 10/10)
Sergio Aguero’s arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011 heralded the beginning of an era-defining partnership with Manchester City.
Blessed with lethal finishing and impeccable timing, Aguero became City’s all-time leading scorer, etching his name in club folklore with iconic goals, including the last-gasp winner against QPR to clinch the 2011/12 Premier League title.
Aguero’s knack for delivering in crucial moments earned him the moniker “King Kun” among City faithful.
His enduring impact, highlighted by numerous individual accolades and unforgettable moments, ensures his place as one of Manchester City’s greatest-ever players.
Kevin De Bruyne: “Ginger Pele” (Rating: 10/10)
In the summer of 2015, De Bruyne joined Manchester City for a then-club record £54 million. He has since won the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles, five League Cups and two FA Cups with the club.
De Bruyne is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity. He has excellent passing accuracy and is a skilled dribbler, able to create chances for his teammates and score goals himself.
The Belgian has scored 100 goals and provided 167 assists in 372 appearances for the Cityzens across all competitions.
The impact of these Manchester City legends will never be forgotten
As Manchester City reflects on its remarkable journey from obscurity to dominance, the legacies of Silva, Toure, Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Aguero loom large.
Their contributions have not only shaped the club’s success but also defined an era of unparalleled achievement and glory.
Their names will forever be etched in the annals of Manchester City’s storied history, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of excellence and the enduring spirit of a footballing dynasty.
