From the Etihad’s shining corridors to the roar of the terraces, the name that echoes most often when talking about most assists in Manchester City history is Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro’s vision, precision, and consistency have shattered records, redefined playmaking, and etched his name forever into City folklore. But how deep does that legacy run? DuitKick invites you on a full breakdown —, and what this means for City’s future.
Kevin De Bruyne: The King of Assists at City
There is no debate: Kevin De Bruyne is the all-time assist leader in Manchester City history. Across all competitions, he has delivered 176 assists — the most by any player in City’s modern era.
In the Premier League alone, his tally rises to 118 assists, a club record that overshadows even the greatest to wear sky blue.
In European club competition, he leads again: 29 assists in UEFA tournaments for City, the highest for any player in the club’s continental campaigns.
Milestones and notable seasons
- Most assists in one season (all comps): 29, in 2022–23
- Most assists in a Premier League season: 20 (shared national record)
- Most assists in a UEFA season: 7
- Most assists in a single UEFA match: 3 — achieved in Champions League clashes
- In a single Premier League match for City: the record is 4, though set by Jérémy Doku (not De Bruyne)
- These numbers speak not just of longevity, but also consistent brilliance year in, year out.
The story behind the numbers
De Bruyne arrived in Manchester in 2015 and quickly became the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s side. His understanding with forwards, his control over tempo, and his ability to thread passes that defy logic have allowed him to collect assists with surgical precision. His tally didn’t simply come from playing many matches — it came.
The Chasers: Who Comes Next in City’s Assist Rankings
De Bruyne didn’t build his legacy in isolation. Over the years, several talented teammates have been behind key passes and have built their own legacies in City’s assist charts.
|
Rank |
Player |
Assists (All Competitions) |
|
2 |
David Silva |
122 |
|
3 |
Raheem Sterling |
74 |
|
4 |
Bernardo Silva |
73 |
|
5 |
Sergio Agüero |
63 |
|
6 |
Phil Foden |
61 |
|
7 |
Riyad Mahrez |
55 |
|
8 |
İlkay Gündoğan |
45 |
|
9 |
Gabriel Jesus |
41 |
David Silva, often dubbed “Merlin,” was the torchbearer before De Bruyne’s ascendancy — his 122 assists laid the groundwork for sky-blue midfield sorcery. Sterling and Bernardo gave width and flair, Agüero’s occasional assists came with his striker’s intuition, and Foden’s trajectory suggests he might chase De Bruyne’s legacy further.
On the Premier League-only front, the order shifts slightly:
- De Bruyne: 118
- David Silva: 93
- Sergio Agüero: 47
- Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez follow behind in the 40s
These numbers reinforce how De Bruyne’s influence permeates not just across all matches but especially in England’s toughest league.
The Context: Why These Records Matter
Evolution of assist tracking
It’s worth noting that accurate assist records only became standardized in the Premier League and by data agencies beginning around 1992–93. For decades earlier, detailed assist tallies were either inconsistent or unavailable. Thus, when we talk about “in Club history,” we really mean “in the modern data era.” Nevertheless, for modern fans and analysts, these records are definitive.
Contribution to success
De Bruyne’s assists didn’t only pile up in draws or minor matches — many came in critical games, deciding titles, and European nights. His role was central in City’s dominant run over the last decade: in league titles, domestic cups, and that long-awaited Champions League.
A legacy beyond stats
Numbers tell only part of the story. What separates De Bruyne is his impact: games where his assist changed the momentum, where defensive lines were undone, where goals seemed to arise, those moments become part of the narrative — the matches where a pass, a flick, or a through ball carried magic.
What De Bruyne’s Departure Means for City
With news confirming De Bruyne’s exit at the end of the current season, the most assists in Manchester City history crown may soon become symbolic — the passing of a torch.
City must now ask:
- Who can assume that creative burden?
- Will Phil Foden — already in the top-10 assists for the club — step up?
- Or will a fresh face arrive to redefine the club’s attacking identity?
What’s certain is that his departure marks the end of an era — one in which City’s blueprint revolved around his vision.
Final Thoughts
The most assists in Manchester City history title belongs unequivocally to Kevin De Bruyne — 176 in all competitions, 118 in the Premier League, and 29 in UEFA campaigns. His consistency, creativity, and moments of genius have etched an unassailable mark in the Club’s modern era.
As we reflect on his legacy and look ahead to life without his services, fans and analysts alike will watch closely how City redefines its attacking identity. If you’re craving deep stats, player profiles, or the latest match breakdowns, keep coming back to DuitKick — your home for the soul of football.
What do you think — who has the best chance to break De Bruyne’s assist legacy at City next?
