In the annals of Manchester City, few roles carry as much weight and responsibility as that of the goalkeeper. The last line, the safe hand, the sweeper-keeper in modern terms — these are the guardians upon which titles, comebacks, and legends hinge. In this article, DuitKick invites you into a journey through time to explore the best Manchester City goalkeepers of all time., we’ll rank, analyze, and celebrate those who have worn the gloves for the Sky Blues.
The criteria: what makes a City goalkeeper legendary?
Before revealing our list, it’s worth clarifying how “greatness” is measured. We balance:
- Longevity and number of appearances
- Clean sheets, consistency, and performance under pressure
- Impact on titles, club stature, and pivotal moments
- Technical evolution (e.g., distribution, sweeper duties)
- Emotional resonance with fans
With those pillars in mind, here’s our top five, plus an honorable mention.
1. Bert Trautmann — A legend forged by grit
Arguably the most mythic figure among City keepers, Bert Trautmann remains an iconic symbol. After joining in 1949, he went on to be City’s number one for 15 years, through thick and thin. His courage was epitomized when he famously played on in the 1956 FA Cup Final after breaking his neck — the stuff of folklore. Over his City career, Trautmann recorded dozens of clean sheets (estimates put it near 98) and commanded respect in both defence and presence.
Trautmann’s influence extended beyond shot-stopping: he was strong in aerial duels, brave in one-on-ones, and a backbone during challenging eras for the club. His name still rings in every historical top XI debate for City’s custodians.
2. Joe Corrigan — The rock, nearly 600 times
A City legend in the modern era, Joe Corrigan remains the club’s most-capped goalkeeper. Over a 16-year span, he made over 590 appearances in all competitions, a feat unmatched by any other City goalkeeper. In that time he earned three Player of the Year awards for City and was a constant in both domestic and European campaigns.
Corrigan was especially renowned for his consistency, leadership, and shot-stopping in big matches. His reliability made him a favourite among fans and peers alike. He bridged eras and left his mark as the standard-bearer for many who followed.
3. Joe Hart — The Golden Glove specialist
When City entered a new period of ambition in the 2000s and 2010s, Joe Hart rose to prominence. He became the face of modern City’s resurgence. With multiple Premier League Golden Gloves under his belt, Hart combined English grit with big-game bravado. In 2015, he made 10 saves in a Champions League knockout match against Barcelona — a performance that earned him praise as a “phenomenon.”
Hart’s strengths lay in reflex saves, penalty-stopping, and moments of sheer presence. Against criticism, he showed guts and flair — elements City needed on their climb to becoming a top club in England.
4. Ederson — The modern revolutionary
In the recent golden era under Pep Guardiola, Ederson defined what modern goalkeeping can be. He wasn’t just a shot-stopper — he became a playmaker, Ederson helped anchor City’s dominance. He not only kept clean sheets but helped the team initiate attacks with exceptional long balls, precise distribution, and calmness under pressure.
He won the Golden Glove multiple times, and as of 2025, his 372 appearances included 168 clean sheets for City.
In many ways, Ederson redefined what it means to be a City goalkeeper — agile, aggressive, technically skilled. His era will be long studied.
Honorable mention: Stefan Ortega & others
While not making the core top five, Stefan Ortega deserves recognition. When Ederson was injured in 2024, Ortega stepped in and made crucial saves, including one in a late match versus Tottenham that preserved City’s title run. Guardiola himself lauded him as “one of the best keepers I’ve seen.”
Other names like Frank Swift, Ken Mulhearn, or earlier custodians contributed to City’s legacy and deserve spots in extended rankings or “Top 10” lists.
Ranking summary
|
Rank |
Goalkeeper |
Era / Key Stats & Impact |
|
1 |
Bert Trautmann |
1949–1964 legend; bravery, consistency |
|
2 |
Joe Corrigan |
Nearly 600 appearances; era-defining |
|
3 |
Joe Hart |
Golden Gloves; modern era stalwart |
|
4 |
Ederson |
Technological leap, distribution king |
|
HM |
Stefan Ortega et al. |
Dependable backups when mattered |
Each of these keepers brought something unique — whether it’s audacity, loyalty, reflexes, or evolution.
How the role has evolved at City
Over decades, the demands on a goalkee. In Trautmann’s time, command of the box and shot-stopping were paramount. Moves by Corrigan and Hart emphasized physical presence and reflexes in a more attacking English game. Then Ederson ushered in an era of goalkeepers who must be excellent with their feet, act as sweepers, and start build-up play.
This evolution mirrors City’s own narrative:. The keeper’s gloves at the Etihad have become as symbolic of identity as the midfield maestros.
Why these five matter to fans and history
- Trautmann embodies the grit of old-school resilience.
- Corrigan represents dedication over a long and steady career.
- Hart symbolizes City’s rise into ambition and expectation.
- Ederson reflects City’s modern identity: pressing, technical, assured.
- Ortega and others show the depth and backup strength necessary for sustained success.
For any fan wanting to trace City’s story through its goalkeepers, these names serve as milestones: of challenge, of transformation, of cultural ethos.
Final Thoughts
Best Manchester City goalkeepers of all time is not just a list — it’s a heartbeat through the club’s history. From Trautmann’s courage to Ederson’s orchestration, each keeper marks a chapter in City’s narrative.
DuitKick hopes this tribute enriches your understanding and love for City’s custodian tradition. If you’re hungry for more, check out our articles on City’s all-time XI, top defenders, or the evolution of their playing style. And if you disagree with any ranking — let the debate begin!
