Manchester City All-time Top Goalscorers in Continental Competitions: Manchester City’s journey to becoming a top European football club has been really fast. Now, it’s normal to see their blue shirts in the Champions League, but it wasn’t always like that before 2008.
Back then, playing in continental competitions seemed like a distant dream. Despite City’s current dominance, a special group of players has become legendary by scoring the most goals in these competitions for the club.
All-time Top Goalscorers in Continental Competitions
Here is a list of Manchester City‘s top goalscorers in continental competitions.
1. Sergio Agüero
- Country: Argentina
- Career Span: 2011–2021
Sergio Agüero, an amazing Argentine striker, is considered one of the best players in Manchester City’s history. He holds the record for the most goals scored by any player for the club, with a total of 260 goals in all competitions. Notably, he’s also the top scorer in the Premier League, having netted 184 goals. Agüero was not just a prolific goalscorer overall; he was especially lethal in continental competitions.
In the Champions League, he scored 39 goals, and in the Europa League, he added 4 more goals, making it a total of 43 goals in continental competitions for Manchester City. This achievement marks the highest number of goals scored by any player in the club’s history in continental competitions.
Agüero’s goals played a crucial role in Manchester City’s recent successes. He was instrumental in the team’s journey to the Champions League final in 2021 and played a key part in their EFL Cup victory in the 2020-21 season. With his incredible knack for scoring, Agüero became a beloved figure among Manchester City fans and will be remembered as one of the greatest players ever to wear the club’s colors.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 39
- UEFA Europa League: 4
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 43
2. Raheem Sterling
- Country: England
- Career Span: 2015–2022
Raheem Sterling, known for his speed, accuracy, and precise goal-scoring, left a lasting impact at Manchester City, not just in domestic games but also on the big European stage. Whether he was maneuvering through defenses in the Champions League or causing chaos in the Europa League, Sterling proved himself to be a powerful presence in European competitions.
Wearing the iconic sky-blue jersey of Manchester City, Sterling scored an impressive 24 goals in the Champions League. This achievement secured his position as the club’s second-highest goal-scorer in continental competitions. His dynamic runs, cool finishes, and ability to shine in crucial European matches played a vital role in City’s success in continental tournaments, including their 2019 FA Cup win.
Sterling’s journey in European competitions with Manchester City was truly extraordinary. Watching him light up the continental stage with his goal-scoring skills was a delight for City fans around the world, and his contributions will surely be remembered as part of the club’s European history.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 24
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 24
3. Gabriel Jesus
- Country: Brazil
- Career Span: 2017–2022
Gabriel Jesus, the dynamic forward from Brazil, may not have played for Manchester City as long as some of the club’s legendary players, but his impact on the European stage was truly impressive. Despite scoring a solid 58 goals in the Premier League, it’s in the Champions League and Europa League where Jesus truly shone, securing his place among City’s top scorers in continental competitions.
With a total of 20 goals in both competitions, Jesus holds the third spot in Manchester City’s all-time continental goalscoring rankings. His energetic movement, precise finishing, and contagious enthusiasm made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Whether he was skillfully navigating crowded penalty boxes or sneaking behind high defensive lines, Jesus showcased his skills.
Even though Jesus has now moved on to Arsenal, his legacy at Manchester City in continental competitions is unquestionable. He leaves behind a record of exciting goals, unforgettable moments, and a reputation as a genuine marksman on the European stage for the blue side of Manchester.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 20
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 20
4. Erling Haaland
- Country: Norway
- Career Span: 2022–
Erling Haaland, the goal-scoring sensation from Norway, has recently started his journey in the sky blue colors of Manchester City. However, his reputation in continental competitions precedes him like a powerful force. Haaland is like a storm of goals, and though his record in Manchester City’s continental competitions is still in its early stages, it already hints at a story of breaking records.
Having scored 17 goals in the Champions League alone, Haaland stands tall among the competition’s most prolific young talents. His relentless strength, precise finishing, and unquenchable desire for goals have made even the most experienced defenders uneasy.
Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City has immediately heightened their ambitions in continental competitions. Just having him on the field instills fear in opponents, and his ability to single-handedly change the course of a match adds a potent weapon to City’s. In the 2022-23 season, he contributed significantly to Manchester City’s victories in the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Premier League.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 17
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 17
5. Riyad Mahrez
- Country: Algeria
- Career Span: 2018–2023
Riyad Mahrez, the talented Algerian footballer known for his magical left foot and captivating dribbling skills, has left an indelible mark on the continental stage while wearing the colors of Manchester City.
His contribution to Manchester City’s success in continental competitions is remarkable. With a total of 16 goals in the Champions League, Mahrez proudly holds the position of the club’s fifth-highest all-time goalscorer in these competitions. Whether it’s his precise free-kicks, perfectly delivered crosses, or composed finishes, Mahrez has played a crucial role in City’s recent European achievements, including their Champions League final win in 2023.
Mahrez is a player who shines on the biggest stages, displaying composure and skill under pressure. His ability to deliver in key moments makes him a true talisman for Manchester City in continental competitions.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 16
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 16
6. Kevin De Bruyne
- Country: Belgium 2015–
- Career Span: 2015–
Kevin De Bruyne, the talented Belgian midfielder, is not only the driving force behind Manchester City’s success in domestic competitions but also a key figure in their pursuit of glory on the continental stage. While his impact goes beyond just scoring goals, his impressive goal tally in European competitions reflects his brilliance on the biggest stage.
With 14 goals in both the Champions League and the Europa League, De Bruyne holds the prestigious title of being Manchester City’s 6th all-time top scorer in continental competitions. However, his influence goes far beyond the numbers. He acts as the orchestrator, setting the tempo and creating attacking masterpieces with every pass.
De Bruyne’s moments in continental competitions showcase footballing genius. His precise crosses have torn apart defenses, his perfectly timed through balls have set up clear goal-scoring opportunities, and his powerful volleys have left goalkeepers with no chance. His journey with Manchester City in continental competitions is a tale of almost-wins and ultimate triumphs. He played a crucial role in their journey to the 2023 Champions League final, where his vision and passing skills posed a constant challenge to the best teams in Europe. In the 2022-23 season, he contributed significantly to Manchester City’s victories in the FA Cup, and Premier League.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 14
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 14
7. Phil Foden
- Country: England
- Career Span: 2017–
In Manchester City’s European goal-scoring records, big names like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Agüero are usually at the top. However, there’s a young talent making a mark is – Phil Foden.
Despite being just 23 years old, Foden has scored an impressive 13 goals in the Champions League. This puts him among the club’s top ten goal-scorers in European competitions. But it’s not just about the numbers – Foden brings more to the table.
Foden’s style is a mix of youthfulness, skill, and tactical awareness, making him a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s strategy in European matches. His quick footwork, smart positioning, and ability to make great passes confuse opposing defenses. Plus, he’s calm in front of goal and has a talent for performing well in important moments, making him a real threat near the opponent’s goal.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 13
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 13
8. Bernardo Silva
- Country: Portugal
- Career Span: 2017–
Bernardo Silva, the skillful player from Portugal, has been creating some amazing moments for Manchester City in European competitions. He’s not just a goal-scorer; he’s like a wizard on the field, making incredible plays that leave fans amazed and opponents struggling to keep up.
His impact on Manchester City’s performance in continental competitions has been really impressive. Although he may not be among the top goal-scorers with 13 goals in the Champions League and Europa League combined, his influence on the team’s attacking style is clear. His fast footwork, mesmerizing dribbling, and precise passing have been crucial in breaking down defenses, creating excellent chances to score, and making opposing teams nervous.
Silva’s journey with Manchester City in European competitions is like a collection of dazzling moments. One example is his daring chip over Ederson in the 2019 Champions League quarter-final, showing his boldness and skill. Another memorable moment was when he assisted Sergio Agüero’s last-minute winning goal against QPR in the 2012 Premier League title race, highlighting his ability to shine in crucial situations. He’s a player who performs well under pressure, and his calmness and creativity make him a valuable asset in Manchester City’s quest for success in continental tournaments. He also achieved success in the 2022-23 season by winning the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Premier League.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 12
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1
- Others: 0
- Total: 13
9. Francis Lee
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1968–1975
Unfortunately, when Francis Lee played for Manchester City, they didn’t take part in big continental competitions like the Champions League or Europa League. Instead, they were in the European Cup Winners’ Cup and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, but these tournaments didn’t have the same prestige as today’s major European competitions.
Even though Francis Lee couldn’t showcase his talents on the continental stage, he’s a significant figure in Manchester City’s history. He wasn’t just a great goal-scorer; he was like a lucky charm, a leader, and a symbol of the club’s strong spirit. Even without the glamour of European competitions during his prime, he left a lasting legacy in domestic football, earning a special place in the hearts of City fans.
Scoring a remarkable 148 goals for Manchester City, Lee is still the club’s 7th-highest goal-scorer of all time. His skills with both feet, dominance in the air, and relentless determination helped him win two FA Cups, a League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Lee’s leadership was crucial in getting the club promoted back to the top flight in 1968, making him a true legend in the eyes of Manchester City supporters.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 0
- UEFA Europa League: 0
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 11
- Total: 11
10. David Silva
- Country: Spain
- Career Span: 2010–2020
David Silva, the small but incredibly talented player from Spain known for his magical left foot, wasn’t just a small part of Manchester City’s European team – he was like the conductor of a whole orchestra. His impact went beyond just scoring goals; he transformed the club’s European dreams with his skill, vision, and unwavering commitment.
Even though he scored 11 goals in the Champions League and Europa League, ranking 10th among top scorers, Silva’s influence is deeply woven into City’s success in European competitions. His precise passes were like a knife through butter, breaking down defenses. His perfectly timed through balls set up strikers for clear shots on goal, and his runs through the defense made even the toughest opponents nervous.
Silva was the kind of player who shone in the biggest moments. In the 2011 FA Cup final, he played a key role by delivering the cross for Mario Balotelli’s memorable winning goal, showing his ability to perform under pressure. He played a crucial part in City’s journey to the 2016 Champions League semi-final, constantly troubling the best teams in Europe with his vision and passing skills.
Total Goals:
- UEFA Champions League: 9
- UEFA Europa League: 2
- FIFA Club World Cup: 0
- Others: 0
- Total: 11
