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.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: MANCHESTER CITY HAVE WON THE FA CUP!
🏆 Premier League
🏆 FA Cup
🔜 Champions LeagueThe Treble is ON! 🔛 pic.twitter.com/sLGiJ9gwZh
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 3, 2023
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.
"The day the noisy neighbours finally arrived."
Yaya Toure's goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup will live long in the memory of Manchester City fans 🎯#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/EgR7iXVKM6
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 2, 2023
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.
Riyad Mahrez is our best player in FA Cup this season 🔥
Deserves a start ✅ pic.twitter.com/8wfqdAjJRs
— City Chief (@City_Chief) June 3, 2023
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.
Never forget when Emmanuel Adebayor ran the length of the Etihad pitch to celebrate a vital Manchester City goal in front of a seriously pissed off Arsenal away end.
Kolo Toure’s face says it all 😂 pic.twitter.com/7ch2hk29Hi
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 5, 2020
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This article was most recently revised and updated 5 months ago
