Spanish players have been a big part of Manchester City's recent history and here we have a rundown of some of those Etihad icons.
Some iconic Spanish players have graced the Etihad Stadium over the years and here is a closer look at some of those stars who have shone at Premier League giants Manchester City.
From title winners to big names that have simply passed through at City, Spanish players have had a big impact at the Cityzens, especially under Catalan boss Pep Guardiola.
David Silva
Arguably the most influential Spanish player Manchester City have ever acquired, playmaker David Silva made 436 appearances and scored 77 goals for the club over a 10-year period.
Joining from Valencia in July 2010, Silva would go on to win four Premier League titles with the Cityzens.
Also winning two FA Cups and five EFL Cups, Silva was a key figure in one of City’s greatest sides.
Capable of creating chances out of nothing and coming up with big goals when the pressure was on, he provided the Etihad faithful with some of their greatest moments of the last couple of decades.
Moving on to pastures new with Real Sociedad in 2020, City fans have a reminder of Silva’s contribution to the club in the form of his statue, placed just outside the Etihad.
Rodri
One of the few current Spanish players in the Manchester City squad, Rodri is another iconic figure to hail from the Iberian Peninsula.
With over 295 appearances for the club, Rodri has been a stalwart when fit in the heart of the City midfield since he joined from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Another with four Premier League titles, Rodri can also count the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup among his list of honours.
The Ballon d’Or winner in 2024 after helping City achieve an iconic treble in the 2022-23 campaign, Rodri might also end up with a statue outside the Etihad after he hangs up his boots.
Jesus Navas
Spending four years at the Etihad Stadium between 2013 and 2017, Jesus Navas’ time at City was sandwiched between two spells at boyhood club Sevilla.
A player who struggled with homesickness throughout his career, Navas still managed to enjoy success in the English top flight, winning the Premier League title in the 2013-14 season.
Also claiming two EFL Cups during his time in Manchester, Navas returned to Spain with a healthy haul of silverware.
Aymeric Laporte
With five Premier League titles to his name, no Spanish player has won more at Manchester City than Aymeric Laporte.
The Cityzens splashed the cash to bring the Spain international to the club in 2018, with a reported £57million spent to land him from Athletic Club.
French-born but a Spanish citizen since 2021, Laporte quickly became an important player for La Roja, helping Spain win the European Championship in 2024.
He was also a dependable figure when called upon as City won the Champions League in their memorable 2022-23 treble-winning season.
Sold to Al-Nassr in 2023 before eventually returning to Athletic, Laporte is one of the most decorated City players of all time, having played 180 times for the club and contributed an impressive 12 goals.
Javi Garcia
Winning the Premier League title and EFL Cup in the 2013-14 season, Javi Garcia picked up significant silverware during his short time at City between 2012 and 2014.
Playing 76 times for Man City in all competitions and scoring two goals, he eventually moved on to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
Ferran Torres
Currently starring at Barcelona, Ferran Torres had a somewhat challenging time in his two-year stay at Manchester City.
Injuries certainly did not help the forward’s cause during his spell in England but he still managed to win a Premier League title and EFL Cup in the 2020-21 season.
Seemingly putting his injury woes behind him, Torres is now shining for Barcelona following his €55million switch from City in 2022.
Nico Gonzalez
Finally, and another currently plying his trade at the Etihad Stadium, Nico Gonzalez has some way to go before he can be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Silva, Laporte and the player he often deputises for, Rodri.
The former Barcelona starlet joined City from Portuguese giants Porto last year.
Despite having to play second fiddle in that defensive midfield role, Gonzalez has still managed to make over 50 appearances for the club.
Winning his first trophy with City in the EFL Cup this season, the 24-year-old will be hoping to add many more titles to his collection over the coming years.
