Manchester City’s African Players Rated: Yaya Toure, Mahrez, and More!

Manchester City’s African Players Rated: Yaya Toure, Mahrez, and More!
Credit: Iconsport

Manchester City aims to join the elite group of only seven teams to achieve a European continental treble when they face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. As one of the most successful clubs in English football, Manchester City has not only produced exceptional talents from their youth system but has also attracted some of the finest African players to don their sky-blue jersey.

Over the years, the club has witnessed the emergence of exceptional talents from the African continent, which has left an indelible mark on the club's history. Let us delve into the legacy of Manchester City's greatest African players and celebrate their contributions to the club's success as they aim to win their first UEFA Champions League.

We've mentioned the African players who represented Manchester City in order of their contribution to the club's domestic and continental success.

Manchester City's Greatest African Players

Yaya Touré

Ivory Coast

No discussion about Manchester City's African stars can begin without mentioning the Ivorian midfield powerhouse, Yaya Touré. Toure is one of the most decorated African players in history.

Signed from Barcelona in 2010, Touré's arrival transformed the city's fortunes. A driving force in midfield, he possessed exceptional strength, technique, and a penchant for scoring crucial goals. Touré played a pivotal role in City's Premier League triumphs in 2012 and 2014, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history as one of their greatest ever midfielders.

The technically gifted midfielder scored the title-winning goal for City in the 2011 FA Cup final. A year later, he won the Premier League with the Citizens as a crucial part of their midfield unit under Mancini.

Before departing the team in 2018, Toure added two more Premier League championships and three League Cups. Only Samuel Eto'o, who the UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona and Inter Milan, has received four African Player of the Year accolades in a row between 2011 and 2014.

His contributions were crucial as Manchester City secured their historic Premier League triumph in 2012, earning Toure his second league title. Over his time at the club, Toure made 102 appearances, lifting a Premier League trophy and an FA Cup.

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria

In recent years, Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has dazzled Manchester City supporters with his sublime skills and creativity. Signed from Leicester City in 2018, Mahrez's technical prowess, flair, and ability to unlock defenses have been instrumental in City's recent successes.

Widely considered one of the best wingers in the world, Mahrez is now a key part of Pep Guardiola’s attacking plans. He has added four more Premier League titles to his trophy cabinet at City (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023), being a vital part of the squad on both occasions. Mahrez has also won two English FA Cups, three English League Cups, and two English Super Cups at the Etihad. After five UEFA Champions League participations, the Algerian player has another chance to win his and Manchester City's first UEFA Champions League trophy.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Togo

After enjoying a successful three-year stint with Arsenal, Emmanuel Adebayor made a high-profile switch to Manchester City in 2009, becoming the most expensive African player at the time with a £25 million deal. Adebayor's signing was a significant statement by Manchester City's new ownership, showcasing their ambition to compete at the highest level.

The Togolese international, who had already been crowned African Footballer of the Year, was entrusted with the prestigious number 9 jersey. Adebayor quickly made an impact, etching his name in City's history by scoring their first-ever hat-trick in a European competition, leaving a lasting impression on the fans and setting the tone for his time at the club.

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This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Rababe Koussaimi
Rababe Koussaimi, a 22-year-old journalist, is deeply passionate about the world of sports. She grew up in a footballing environment, supporting both Bayern Munich and Wydad Athletic Club. She began her English journalism career by hosting a podcast for the first English radio station in Morocco. Currently, the Moroccan journalist channels her enthusiasm into writing and conducting extensive research, creating insightful and engaging content for GoalBall Live readers.
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