Bernardo climbs top 10 City appearance makers of all-time 

That tally takes him above David Silva and Willie Donachie, who both played 436 times for the Blues.

Bernardo, now club captain, has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s unprecedented era of dominance of English football.

In terms of the Premier League, only David Silva has ever played for City more - with the Spaniard making 309 in total, 21 more than his Portuguese namesake.

SHOP | BERNARDO SILVA RANGE 

Since arriving in 2017, he’s been selected more times by Guardiola than any player the Catalan has ever managed.

During that spell, we’ve won an astonishing 18 major honours.

Initially a playmaker who captured the Etihad’s attention when starring for Monaco in the 2016/17 Champions League Round of 16 tie, Bernardo has since proven his versatility – performing across the midfield, the forward positions and even at left-back. 

Guardiola regularly praises both Bernardo’s indefatigable work ethic and tactical nous, stating that he feels ‘safer’ with the Portuguese international in his team.

The respect the 31-year-old commands was made crystal clear when the boss stepped in to ensure he was named captain ahead of the current season.

His City story began during the exciting squad rebuild ahead of the 2017/18 season that would see the Blues make history.

He played 53 times across all competitions, including 35 of 38 league games, as we became the only side ever to reach 100 points in the Premier League.

Whether in midfield or on the wing, he was highly influential in the final third too – scoring nine times and contributing 10 assists.

We backed that up in 2018/19 with a domestic quadruple as Bernardo played 51 games in total, scoring 13 and providing 13 assists.

2019/20 proved more difficult, but City still won the Carabao Cup and Community Shield as Bernardo played 52 matches.

We were back to our best in 2020/21, winning the first of four Premier League titles in a row and reaching the Champions League final for the first time in our history.  

In the first season without David Silva, Bernardo made most of his 45 appearances in the heart of midfield.

2021/22 saw one of the most dramatic title races in living memory and Bernardo was at the centre of it all, playing 50 matches across all competitions and scoring 13 goals.

It was 2022/23 that many will perhaps think of first when they consider Bernardo’s City career so far, with the Blues earning an historic European Treble.

He played 55 of the 61 games, including all 13 on the way to Champions League success. One of that year’s most iconic fan chants centred on the brilliant Portuguese’s work on the right wing.

Another top spot – as well as maiden FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup honours - came in 2023/24 as we became the first club ever to win the English top-flight four years in a row. 

Bernardo played 49 games that season and now with six Premier League titles, only five players have ever lifted the famous trophy more than our No.20.

His dedication to the cause throughout the difficult 2024/25 often drew praise from Guardiola and will no doubt have played a role in his senior status amongst the squad now.

Eight-and-a-half years on from moving to Manchester, Bernardo’s consistency, boundless energy and technical excellence have made him one of the finest players in our history.

Congratulations to Bernardo on this milestone.

Most appearances for City 

Alan Oakes – 680 

Joe Corrigan – 603 

Mike Doyle – 570 

Bert Trautmann – 545 

Colin Bell – 501 

Eric Brook – 493 

Tommy Booth – 491 

Mike Summerbee – 452 

Paul Power – 445 

Bernardo Silva - 437

David Silva – 436 

Willie Donachie - 436