Manchester City Playmakers: Manchester City has experienced an extraordinary transformation over the past few decades. From being a club struggling in the lower tiers and mid-table of the Premier League, they have risen to become a powerhouse in global football.
A major part of this transformation is due to the substantial financial investment from the club’s owners. With the infusion of petrodollars, Manchester City has methodically built its success by investing in top-tier players and nurturing young talents.
TOP 20 Manchester City Playmakers
In this article, we spotlight the 20 players with the most assists in Manchester City’s history, showcasing the key contributors to the club’s incredible journey to the top.
20. Pablo Zabaleta
- Matches: 333
- Goals: 12
- Assists: 25
Starting our ranking of players with the most assists in Manchester City’s history, at 20th place, we have Pablo Zabaleta. A tough and versatile full-back, Zabaleta won all major English football titles with Manchester City, including the Premier League and FA Cup.
Zabaleta also had a successful international career with Argentina, playing in the 2014 World Cup and winning gold at the 2008 Olympics. During his time at City He played 333 matches, scored 12 goals, and provided 25 assists.
19. Shaun Wright-Phillips
- Matches: 274
- Goals: 48
- Assists: 26
At 19th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Shaun Wright-Phillips. He played for Manchester City, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League, and also had stints in Major League Soccer.
He scored six goals in 36 appearances for England and was part of the 2010 World Cup squad. During his time at Manchester City, he played 274 matches, scored 48 goals, and made 26 assists.
18. Rodri
- Matches: 257
- Goals: 26
- Assists: 30
At 18th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Rodri. Known for his versatility, accurate passing, and tactical skill, Rodri is considered one of the best players in the world.
After playing for Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019. He helped the team win four consecutive Premier League titles from 2020 to 2024 and was crucial in their historic treble in 2022–23, including scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final.
Rodri has been a key player for Spain since 2018, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament. During his time at Manchester City, he played 257 matches, scored 26 goals, and provided 30 assists.
17. Fernandinho
- Matches: 383
- Goals: 26
- Assists: 31
At 17th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Fernandinho. Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, Fernandinho also captained Brazil’s national team on many occasions.
Fernandinho joined Manchester City in 2013 and became a key player, winning five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, six EFL Cups, and two Community Shields. He captained City in the 2020–21 season and led them to the Champions League final.
Fernandinho also represented Brazil from 2011 to 2019, playing in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, and winning the 2019 Copa América. During his time at Manchester City, he played 283 matches, scored 26 goals, and made 31 assists.
16. Carlos Tévez
- Matches: 148
- Goals: 73
- Assists: 32
At 16th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Carlos Tévez. A quick and powerful forward, Tévez could play as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder.
At City, he won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010–11 and the Premier League title in 2011–12. He later played for Juventus and returned to Boca Juniors before retiring in 2022.
Tévez earned 76 caps for Argentina, winning a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics. He also played in two World Cups and four Copa América tournaments. During his time at Manchester City, Tévez played 148 matches, scored 73 goals, and made 32 assists.
15. Aleksandar Kolarov
- Matches: 247
- Goals: 21
- Assists: 35
At 15th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Aleksandar Kolarov. He joined Manchester City in 2010, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. He later played for Roma and Inter Milan before retiring.
Kolarov made his international debut for Serbia in 2008, earning 94 caps and playing in two World Cups. He was named Serbian Player of the Year in 2011. During his time at Manchester City, Kolarov played 247 matches, scored 21 goals, and provided 35 assists.
14. Jesús Navas
- Matches: 183
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 35
At 14th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Jesús Navas. He joined Manchester City in 2013, winning the Premier League in the 2013–14 season. He returned to Sevilla in 2017 and became the club’s all-time appearance leader.
Navas has been a Spain international since 2009, helping his country win the 2010 World Cup, two European Championships, and the 2022–23 Nations League, earning 56 caps and scoring five goals.
During his time at Manchester City, Navas played 184 matches, scored 8 goals, and provided 35 assists.
13. Ilkay Gündogan
- Matches: 304
- Goals: 60
- Assists: 38
At 13th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is Ilkay Gündogan. He joined Manchester City in 2016, winning five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the Champions League. He led City to a continental treble in the 2022–23 season before moving to Barcelona in 2023.
Gündogan debuted for Germany in 2011 and has played in the UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups. During his time at Manchester City, he played 304 matches, scored 60 goals, and made 38 assists.
12. James Milner
- Matches: 203
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 39
At 12th in Manchester City’s all-time assist rankings is James Milner. Known for his versatility, Milner played in various positions, including winger, midfielder, and full-back.
At City, he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Community Shield. He moved to Liverpool in 2015, winning the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
Milner made 46 appearances for England’s under-21 team and 61 for the senior team, playing in two World Cups and two European Championships. During his time at Manchester City, Milner played 203 matches, scored 19 goals, and provided 39 assists.
11. Samir Nasri
- Matches: 176
- Goals: 27
- Assists: 37
Samir Nasri, known for his dribbling, ball control, and passing, started his career at Olympique de Marseille. In 2011, Nasri transferred to Manchester City, where he played a key role in winning the 2011–12 Premier League title.
Nasri also had a notable international career with France, representing his country in UEFA Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, and winning the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
At Manchester City, he made 176 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 37 assists. He won two Premier League titles, one Football League Cup, and one FA Community Shield with the club.
10. Leroy Sané
- Matches: 135
- Goals: 39
- Assists: 43
At number 10 on the list of players with the most assists in Manchester City history is Leroy Sané. Known for his speed and skill on the wing, Sané was a key player for Manchester City during his time at the club. He played 135 matches, scored 39 goals, and provided 46 assists.
Sané’s contributions helped City win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups. His dynamic performances made him a fan favorite before he moved to Bayern Munich in 2020.
9. Gabriel Jesus
- Matches: 236
- Goals: 95
- Assists: 45
At number 9th we Gabriel Jesus. He came to Manchester City from Palmeiras in 2017 for £27 million. He stayed a consistent presence in the City team in the seasons that followed. He contributed to the club’s victory in the Premier League four times, the FA Cup once, and the League Cup three times.
Throughout his time, Jesus played 236 matches for Manchester City, scoring an impressive 95 goals and assisting 45 times.
Jesus is a versatile striker who can fill different roles on the front line. He’s recognized for his speed, skillful dribbling, and his ability to finish plays. Additionally, he’s a strong passer and can create opportunities for his teammates.
8. Yaya Touré
- Matches: 316
- Goals: 80
- Assists: 47
At number 8 on the list of players with the most assists in Manchester City history is Yaya Touré. A legendary figure in football, Touré is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time.
He joined Manchester City in 2010 from Barcelona and spent eight seasons with the club. During his time at City, he played 316 matches, scored 80 goals, and provided 47 assists.
Touré was instrumental in helping City secure three Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and a Community Shield.
7. Phil Foden
- Matches: 270
- Goals: 87
- Assists: 53
At number 7 among the players with the most assists in Manchester City’s history is Phil Foden. He burst onto the scene in 2017, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball and making his debut for City the same year. Since then, he has made over 270 appearances, scoring 87 goals and providing 53 assists.
Foden has won many honors with City, including the Premier League, Champions League, and various individual awards like the Premier League Young Player of the Season. He continues to be a vital player for both Manchester City and the England national team.
6. Riyad Mahrez
- Matches: 236
- Goals: 78
- Assists: 56
At number 6 we have Riyad Mahrez. He began his career in France before making a name for himself at Leicester City, where he played a key role in their historic Premier League title win in 2015–16.
He joined Manchester City in 2018, winning multiple titles, including four Premier Leagues and the 2023 UEFA Champions League as part of a treble.
Known for his skillful dribbling and precise finishing, Mahrez scored 78 goals and provided 59 assists in 236 appearances for City.
5. Bernardo Silva
- Matches: 356
- Goals: 67
- Assists: 66
At number 5 is Bernardo Silva. Known for his creativity and versatility, Silva has been crucial for Manchester City since joining from Monaco in 2017. He’s won multiple Premier League titles and played a key role in City’s historic domestic treble in 2019.
Silva has also shined on the international stage, helping Portugal win the 2019 UEFA Nations League. With over 67 goals and 66 assists for City, he’s a fan favorite and one of the top midfielders in the world.
4. Sergio Aguero
- Matches: 390
- Goals: 260
- Assists: 73
Among Manchester City’s legends, Sergio “Kun” Agüero stands out as the greatest. The Argentine striker joined the club in 2011 from Atlético Madrid and quickly became a historic figure. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Premier League history, Agüero is Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer with 260 goals in 390 games. He also holds the record for the most Premier League hat-tricks, with 12.
At Manchester City, he won five Premier League titles, including a memorable last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 that secured the club’s first league title in 44 years. Agüero also won six League Cups, an FA Cup, and three Community Shields during his decade-long tenure.
Agüero represented Argentina in three World Cups and five Copa América tournaments, winning the Copa América in 2021. He retired in 2021 due to health issues after a brief stint with Barcelona. His legacy as a Manchester City icon remains unmatched.
3. Raheem Sterling
- Matches: 339
- Goals: 131
- Assists: 95
At number 3, we have Raheem Sterling. He started his career at Queens Park Rangers before joining Liverpool in 2010, where he won the Golden Boy award in 2014.
In 2015, he moved to Manchester City for £49 million, then the highest fee for an English player. Sterling helped City win four Premier League titles, including back-to-back wins in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
He also earned PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year honors in 2019. After scoring 131 goals and providing 95 assists in 339 games for City, he joined Chelsea in 2022.
2. David Silva
- Matches: 436
- Goals: 77
- Assists: 140
David Silva, known as “El Mago” (“The Magician”), joined Manchester City in 2010 after helping Spain win the World Cup. Renowned for his passing and possession skills, he’s considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Silva spent seven years at Valencia, winning the Copa del Rey in 2008, before moving to City. During his decade at the club, he played 436 matches, scored 77 goals, and made 140 assists, helping City win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
- Matches: 383
- Goals: 102
- Assists: 170
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best modern playmakers, known for his vision, passing, and powerful shooting. He began his career at Genk, briefly played for Chelsea, and then shined at Wolfsburg.
In 2015, he joined Manchester City, where he won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
De Bruyne has provided 170 assists and scored 102 goals in 383 matches for City. He’s also a key player for Belgium, earning over 100 caps and contributing in multiple World Cups and European Championships.