Manchester City have paid tribute to Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho, naming him among the top five African players to feature for the club in the Premier League era.
The acknowledgement was delivered via a video montage shared across the club’s official social media channels, profiling African footballers with the highest number of Premier League appearances for City. Iheanacho, who now plays for Sevilla in Spain, was placed fourth on the list, following club greats Yaya Touré, Riyad Mahrez, and Kolo Touré.
During his time with Manchester City, Iheanacho made 46 Premier League appearances, scoring 12 goals across two seasons. He first made his mark during the 2015–2016 campaign under then-manager Manuel Pellegrini, with key goals against Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, and Stoke City. His sharp finishing and instinctive positioning quickly earned him attention in England and widespread acclaim in Nigeria.
Under Pep Guardiola the following season, Iheanacho maintained his form with goals against Manchester United, Bournemouth, Hull City, and again against Southampton, a side he scored three times against during his City tenure.
Across all competitions, Iheanacho featured 64 times for Manchester City, scoring 21 goals and providing seven assists. His spell at the Etihad also saw him win the EFL Cup in 2016 before departing for Leicester City in 2017.
At Leicester, the forward matured into a consistent performer, contributing to the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories. He played a vital role in their 2023/2024 EFL Championship-winning campaign, helping the Foxes secure a return to the Premier League. He left the club as a free agent in 2024, completing a move to La Liga side Sevilla.
Manchester City’s tribute underscores Iheanacho’s impact during his time at the club and signals the deepening influence of African talent in European football.
According to the club, the top five African players by Premier League appearances for Manchester City are Yaya Touré (230), Riyad Mahrez (145), Kolo Touré (82), Kelechi Iheanacho (46), and Wilfred Bony (36).
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