Manchester City Football Club, often simply called Man City, is a professional football club based in Manchester, England. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894. They play their home matches at the Etihad Stadium, located in East Manchester, a stadium they moved into in 2003.
Historically, City enjoyed periods of success, winning the FA Cup in 1904 and the League Championship in 1937. However, the club endured decades of relative obscurity, frequently bouncing between divisions. A memorable FA Cup triumph in 1969 and a League Cup victory in 1970, alongside a European Cup Winners’ Cup win, were highlights during this period, but sustained success remained elusive.
The landscape of Manchester City dramatically changed in 2008 with the acquisition of the club by the Abu Dhabi United Group. This investment ushered in an era of unprecedented financial backing, enabling the club to attract world-class players and managerial talent. This injection of capital proved transformative, quickly propelling City into a major force in English and European football.
Under the guidance of managers like Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, City achieved significant milestones. The 2011 FA Cup victory ended a 35-year trophy drought. The 2011-12 Premier League title win, secured in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, marked their first league title in 44 years. Pellegrini led them to another Premier League title in 2013-14, as well as two League Cups.
The arrival of Pep Guardiola in 2016 further elevated Manchester City’s status. Guardiola’s tactical acumen and emphasis on possession-based football have yielded remarkable success. Under his leadership, City have won numerous Premier League titles (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), multiple League Cups, and the FA Cup. The 2017-18 season saw them break numerous Premier League records, including amassing 100 points and achieving the highest goal difference.
However, the ultimate prize, the UEFA Champions League, remained elusive for many years. Despite consistent qualification and strong performances, they fell short until the 2022-23 season when they finally triumphed, defeating Inter Milan in the final and securing their first Champions League title. This victory also completed a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Manchester City’s success has not been without controversy. Questions regarding financial fair play and the source of their funding have been frequently raised. Nevertheless, their impact on English football is undeniable, and they continue to be a dominant force both domestically and in European competitions.