Most goals for Manchester City: 19 Players to score 100 goals for them

Colin Bell is one of Manchester City’s greatest players, scoring 153 goals in 501 appearances between 1965 and 1979. Known for his stamina and versatility, Bell was a key midfielder in the 1968 league title win, often setting up teammates like Neil Young and Francis Lee while scoring crucial goals himself.

Nicknamed "Nijinsky" for his endurance, Bell is immortalized with a statue at the Etihad Stadium, and the 2022/23 home shirt honours his lasting legacy. Fans who watched him play speak passionately of his brilliance.

5. Billy Meredith | 152

With 152 goals in 394 appearances from 1894 to 1924, Meredith is hailed as "The First Superstar" of football. Born in 1874 in Chirk, North Wales, he initially worked at Black Park Colliery but broke away to enjoy a distinguished career with City, Manchester United, and the Welsh national team. A celebrated winger, he helped City win the FA Cup in 1904 during his first spell, scoring consistently from 1894 to 1905, before returning for a shorter second stint nearly 20 years later.

6. Joe Hayes | 152

Scoring 152 goals in 364 appearances from 1953 to 1965, Hayes was a beloved figure at Maine Road, though a series of misfortunes kept him from wider recognition. The Bolton-born forward scored three minutes into the FA Cup final, helping City secure their third title, Hayes particularly excelled against Manchester United, netting ten goals in seventeen matches.

In a role that today combines scoring with playmaking, his skill and agility stood out despite his average height and slim build. Unfortunately, he never added to his trophy collection after the 1956 FA Cup and did not receive an England call-up.

7. Francis Lee | 148

The player scored 148 goals in 330 appearances from 1967 to 1975, Lee was a key figure in Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison's celebrated late-1960s side. An all-action scorer and creator, he became a constant threat to defenders. Over eight years, he won six trophies with the club and was part of a trio with Colin Bell and Mike Summerbee, honoured with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium. 

His most memorable moment came during the title-clinching match at Newcastle United in 1968, where he scored the decisive fourth goal in a 4-3 victory. He also netted a penalty in the 1970 European Cup Winners' Cup final, contributing to a 2-1 win over Gornik. Lee later returned as club Chairman in 1994, serving four years in that role.

8. Tommy Browell | 139

In a different era, Tommy Bromwell may have become greater than he was. With a career put on hold for four seasons due to the First World War, Browell still achieved what did not in his time. His best campaign came in 1920/21 with 31 strikes in 43 matches for Hyde Road-based City.

9. Billy Gillespie | 132

Gillespie was a key part of Manchester City's first-ever major piece of silverware - the FA Cup in 1904. he scored 21 in 30 appearances that season after 30 in 33 the year before and built an excellent relationship with the fans in Manchester.

10. Fred Tilson | 132

Tilson’s time with City produced a goal ratio close to one every two games and for injury, could easily have sat atop this impressive list. His partnership with Brook was phenomenal as the pair netted more than 300 goals between them, and was key to the club's successes in the 1933/34 FA Cup and 1936/37 Division One title.

11. Raheem Sterling |131

With 131 goals in 339 appearances from 2015 to 2022, Sterling made headlines after a dazzling start to his career at Liverpool before joining City. The winger continually proved his critics wrong, evolving his game to become an exceptional team player. Under Pep Guardiola, he developed into a more instinctive goalscorer, frequently arriving late in the box to finish chances. he was instrumental in City winning 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles.

12. Alec Herd | 126

Netting 126 goals in 288 appearances from 1932 to 1948, Herd moved from Scotland in 1933 and quickly became a star at Maine Road, helping City win the FA Cup in his first full season. Under manager Wilf Wild, he formed a lethal trio with Eric Brook and Fred Tilson, leading the team to the 1936/37 Division One title. Although tasked with creating as many opportunities as scoring, he still netted nearly once every two games.

13. Horace Barnes | 125

He scored 125 goals in 235 appearances from 1914 to 1925, Barnes's career was impacted by the war. He showcased his potential in his first season before action was paused. Upon return, he became a significant threat for Ernest Mangnall’s City, scoring at least 20 goals in four of his five full seasons at Hyde Road and Maine Road.

14. Frank Roberts | 124

He scored 124 goals in 222 appearances from 1922 to 1928, Roberts made a significant impact at City after joining from Bolton Wanderers. He had his best seasons in 1924/25 and 1925/26, scoring over 30 goals, including a record 32 in the first season. In his final season, he netted 20 goals in 29 appearances, helping the team gain promotion from Division Two to the top tier.

15. Dennis Tueart | 109

The player scored 109 goals in 275 appearances from 1974 to 1983, Tueart moved to Maine Road after impressing at Sunderland. His best season came in 1976 during the League Cup win, where he scored 24 goals in 50 appearances. He remained a significant threat in his six seasons at City, interrupted by a stint with the New York Cosmos.

16. Neil Young | 108

Providing 108 goals in 416 appearances from 1961 to 1972, Young often lacked the recognition of teammates Bell, Lee, and Summerbee, yet his contributions were important to the team's achievements. He shone in the 1967/68 season, netting 21 goals in 48 matches as City clinched the Division One title. Young remained a key player in the FA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup victories that followed.

17. Kevin De Bruyne

Scoring 103 goals in 386 appearances since 2015, De Bruyne is widely regarded as the greatest playmaker of his generation. Known for his preference to assist rather than score, the Belgian has become an important figure in Pep Guardiola's team.

Despite prioritizing playmaking, his impressive goal tally, along with breaking the Premier League record for the fastest to 100 assists, proves his influence during the club’s golden era.

Read Also: Liverpool vs Man City Head-to-head stats since 1929-30 season 

18. Shaun Goater | 103

Scoring 103 goals in 212 appearances from 1998 to 2003, Goater, originally a youth player at Manchester United, faced criticism from City fans upon his signing. However, he became a cult hero, helping the team return to the Premier League under Joe Royle and Kevin Keegan and playing a vital role in their survival in 2002/03. His brace in the memorable final Manchester derby at Maine Road remains memorable to City fans.

19. Erling Haaland | 100

With 100 goals in 105 appearances since 2022, Haaland has broken numerous records at City. His 52 goals in his first season set a club record, while his 36 in the Premier League was the highest in the modern era. His scoring skills helped Pep Guardiola's team achieve a historic Treble in 2022/23 and retain the Premier League title last year, marking the first time a club has won it four times in a row.