Top 5 goal scorers in Man City history: Waiting for the day Haaland overtakes Aguero

Compared with traditional giants such as Manchester United and Liverpool, Manchester City may not possess the same historical legacy. However, the modern era tells a very different story. The club’s transformation began after the takeover by Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour, which provided the financial strength to build a world-class squad.

Players such as Sergio Agüero and Erling Haaland have become key figures in this successful period. Their goals played a decisive role in City’s dominance in the Premier League and their rise to the top of European football under Pep Guardiola. With their remarkable scoring records, both forwards have secured their places among the club’s greatest goalscorers.

In this article, Nowgoalmobi.net takes a closer look at the top 5 goal scorers in Man City history.

Top 5 goal scorers in Man City history

5. Collin Bell - 140 goals - 460 appearances

Colin Bell, often called “The King of the Kippax,” is regarded as one of Manchester City’s greatest players. Although a midfielder, he had a natural instinct for scoring important goals during his time at the club from 1966 to 1979.

Under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, Bell formed a famous attacking partnership with Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee. Nicknamed “Nijinsky” for his incredible stamina, he was also selected in Alf Ramsey’s England squad for the 1970 World Cup.

In recognition of his legacy, Manchester City fans voted in 2004 to name the West Stand at the Etihad Stadium the “Colin Bell Stand.” When he passed away in January 2021, tributes came from across the football world for a player admired both on and off the pitch.

4. Eric Brook - 145 goals - 419 appearances

Eric Brook held Manchester City’s all-time scoring record for an incredible 78 years before Sergio Agüero eventually surpassed it in 2017. Although he primarily played as a winger, Brook scored at a rate comparable to the leading center-forwards of his time.

Famous for his versatility, stamina and powerful shot, he was a key figure in the team that won the FA Cup in 1934 and secured the club’s first First Division title in the 1936–37 season.

His career came to an unfortunate end after a car accident in 1940, when he suffered a fractured skull while travelling to a wartime international match for England against Scotland. In recognition of his lasting impact, Manchester City inducted him into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

3. Joe Hayes - 147 goals - 347 appearances

Joe Hayes is remembered as one of Manchester City’s most reliable goalscorers during the 1950s and 1960s. Before turning professional, he worked in a cotton mill in Bolton. His life changed in 1953 when he attended a trial with City, reportedly arriving with his boots in a brown paper bag. Hayes scored four goals in the trial match and simply asked for his bus fare home. Within days, the club signed him, and he made his first-team debut against Tottenham at just 17.

Hayes also left his mark in the Manchester derby. With 10 goals against Manchester United, he remains tied with Francis Lee and Sergio Agüero as the second-highest scorer in derby history.

2. Erling Haaland - 153 goals - 185 appearances

Erling Haaland joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of around €60 million. In a market where top strikers often command far higher prices, the move has quickly proven to be outstanding business for the club. The Norwegian forward made an immediate impact in the Premier League and began scoring at an extraordinary rate in City’s colours.

Blessed with strength, pace and excellent positioning in the penalty area, Haaland has brought a slightly different edge to Pep Guardiola’s attacking system. While Manchester City are widely known for their possession-based style, his presence has made their forward play even more efficient and dangerous. Goals have followed consistently, with the striker breaking one record after another since arriving in England.

The numbers speak for themselves. After only three seasons, Haaland has already climbed to second place among the top goal scorers in Man City history, something no player has achieved in such a short period. If he maintains this remarkable scoring pace, it may only be a matter of time before he moves to the top of the list.

1. Sergio Aguero - 260 goals - 390 appearances

Sergio Agüero stands as Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer and the player behind one of the most unforgettable moments in Premier League history. In 2017, he broke Eric Brook’s long-standing record that had stood for 78 years, confirming his place as the club’s greatest marksman.

His most famous goal arrived on the final day of the 2011-12 season against QPR. With City needing a victory to secure their first league title in 44 years, Agüero struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 3-2 win, snatching the title from rivals Manchester United in one of the most iconic finishes the league has ever seen.

Agüero left Manchester City in 2021 and joined Barcelona, but a heart condition forced him to retire from football later that year. In recognition of his remarkable legacy, the club unveiled a statue of the Argentine striker outside the Etihad Stadium in 2022.

Top 5 goal scorers in Man City history

5. Collin Bell - 140 goals - 460 appearances

4. Eric Brook - 145 goals - 419 appearances

3. Joe Hayes - 147 goals - 347 appearances

2. Erling Haaland - 153 goals - 185 appearances

1. Sergio Aguero - 260 goals - 390 appearances

Nowgoalmobi has listed the top 5 goal scorers in Man City history.

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