Best Manchester City Goalkeeper Ever? See Where Ederson Ranks!

Manchester City’s journey from mid-table contender to global football powerhouse has seen a dramatic evolution. The men who’ve stood between the posts have shaped eras at the Etihad and Maine Road alike. This article ranks the best Manchester City goalkeeper list of all time, combining trophy success, technical quality, and legacy. From the classic Premier League keepers to Guardiola’s modern favorites, here are the ten who defined the sky-blue net. And don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get legendary jerseys with affordable prices.

Quick List of Best Manchester City Goalkeepers:

1. Joe Hart
2. Ederson
3. Shay Given
4. Willy Caballero
5. Claudio Bravo
6. David James
7. Stefan Ortega
8. Costel Pantilimon
9. Zack Steffen
10. Scott Carson

1. Joe Hart

Joe Hart was Manchester City’s undisputed number 1 during their Premier League breakthrough under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. His commanding presence and leadership helped secure two league titles.

• Two-time Premier League winner
• Four-time Golden Glove recipient
• Played over 300 matches for the club

Joe Hart – Commanding presence during City’s title breakthrough (Image: Manchester City FC)

2. Ederson

Ederson has redefined the role of a goalkeeper at Manchester City. Since joining in 2017, he has been Pep Guardiola’s go-to man thanks to his composure on the ball, long-range passing, and sharp reflexes.

As the current man city number 1 goalkeeper, Ederson is central to City’s playing style and trophy-winning formula.

• Five-time Premier League champion
• Known for distribution, calmness, and sweeping skills
• Key figure in City’s 2023 Treble-winning season

Ederson – Technical modern keeper and Guardiola’s trusted starter (Image: Sky Sports)

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3. Shay Given

Though not at City long, Shay Given brought instant stability after his move from Newcastle. His reflex saves and agility stood out during City’s transitional period before their title runs.

• Named City’s Player of the Season runner-up
• Known for consistency and professionalism
• Over 50 appearances in two seasons

Shay Given – Short but impactful spell as shot-stopper (Image: Manchester Evening News)

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4. Willy Caballero

Caballero is best remembered for his penalty heroics in the 2016 League Cup final against Liverpool. Often used in cup matches, he played a crucial role during key moments under Pellegrini.

• Saved three penalties in 2016 EFL Cup Final
• Reliable backup and trusted in key games
• Popular among teammates and fans

Willy Caballero – Penalty shootout hero of 2016 (Image: Sky Sports)

5. Claudio Bravo

Signed as a ball-playing keeper, Bravo had a difficult start but later found rhythm in cup competitions. He helped lay the groundwork for Ederson’s arrival.

• First goalkeeper signed by Pep Guardiola
• Won multiple domestic cups
• Strong distribution under pressure

Claudio Bravo – Guardiola’s first signing between the posts (Image: Sky Sports)

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6. David James

David James was a key part of City’s Premier League journey in the mid-2000s. Known for his athleticism, he played under Stuart Pearce and was one of England’s top keepers at the time.

• Over 90 appearances for City
• Helped stabilize the team during early PL years
• Known for high-profile saves and occasional risks

 

David James – Experienced keeper during pre-modern era (Image: StatCity)

7. Stefan Ortega

Ortega joined in 2022 and quickly proved himself a dependable backup to Ederson. Calm under pressure and technically sound, he’s trusted in cup matches and has delivered when called upon.

• Helped City win domestic cups in 2023
• Excellent shot-stopper with quick feet
• Well-suited to Guardiola’s system

Stefan Ortega – Reliable second choice in City’s rotation (mage: Goal)

8. Costel Pantilimon

Pantilimon was often used as a cup goalkeeper but made valuable contributions during his time at City. His height and reach made him difficult to beat.

• Won Premier League and League Cup in 2013–14
• Reliable backup during Hart’s prime
• Maintained clean sheets in important domestic games

Costel Pantilimon – Towering figure during transitional years (Image: Bitter and Blue)

9. Zack Steffen

Signed from MLS, Steffen served primarily as a cup and rotation keeper. While solid in most performances, he struggled with consistency at times.

• Made appearances in League Cup and FA Cup runs
• First American keeper to play for City
• Played backup to Ederson between 2020–2022

Zack Steffen – US international and squad rotation player (Image: Sky Sports)

10. Scott Carson

Though rarely used on the pitch, Carson is valued for his mentorship and experience. His long career has brought a steady hand to City’s goalkeeper group.

• Backup and dressing room leader
• Trusted by Guardiola for stability in training
• Made sporadic appearances to cover injuries

Scott Carson – Veteran presence in the locker room (Image: Gazeta Express)

Conclusion

The best Manchester City goalkeeper list is a reflection of the club’s rise to power. From Joe Hart’s dominance in City’s early title wins to Ederson’s revolutionary style as the current man city number 1 goalkeeper, each of these men played a role in shaping the club’s identity. As City continues to pursue trophies, the standard set by these ten goalkeepers remains the foundation of their success. Who’s your all-time favorite Manchester City goalkeeper? Let us know in the comments.