Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017
Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017
When Bernardo Silva stepped onto the pitch at the Amex Stadium on August 12, 2017, few could have predicted the monumental impact the diminutive Portuguese playmaker would have on English football. Arriving from AS Monaco for a reported £43.5 million, Bernardo was the crown jewel of a summer recruitment drive that transformed Manchester City from title contenders into the "Centurions."
The match was a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. While Bernardo only featured as a late substitute for Sergio Aguero, the starting XI that day laid the foundation for nearly a decade of dominance under Pep Guardiola. But football moves fast. Seven years later, the landscape of the Etihad Stadium has shifted dramatically. While some of those names have become managerial icons, others have drifted into the twilight of their careers in different corners of the globe.
Today, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to see what happened to the men who shared the pitch with Bernardo Silva on his Manchester City debut. This is a story of legends, record-breakers, and the tactical evolution of the Premier League's most successful modern era.
The Defensive Wall: Revolutionizing the Backline
In 2017, Pep Guardiola was coming off a trophy-less first season and knew his defense needed a total overhaul. The backline that started against Brighton represented a massive investment in speed, ball-playing ability, and leadership.
Ederson (Goalkeeper)
Like Bernardo, Ederson was a fresh face making his Premier League debut that day. Before Ederson, the "sweeper-keeper" role was a theory in England; after him, it became a requirement. Today, Ederson remains City’s undisputed number one. With over 300 appearances, multiple Golden Gloves, and a Champions League trophy, he has cemented his status as perhaps the greatest passing goalkeeper in the history of the game.
Kyle Walker (Right-Back)
Another debutant that afternoon, Walker arrived from Tottenham with a point to prove. His recovery pace was the insurance policy Guardiola needed to play a high defensive line. Fast forward to today, and Walker is the club captain. Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains one of the fastest players in the league, proving that his longevity is as impressive as his trophy cabinet.
Vincent Kompany (Center-Back)
The "Captain, Leader, Legend" of the Etihad. In 2017, Kompany was the veteran presence holding the new-look defense together. After leaving City in 2019 following that iconic goal against Leicester, he transitioned into management. After a stint at Anderlecht and a record-breaking promotion season with Burnley, Kompany shocked the world in 2024 by being appointed the head coach of German giants Bayern Munich.
Nicolas Otamendi (Center-Back)
"The General" was often the aggressive foil to Kompany or Stones. Otamendi enjoyed five successful years in Manchester before moving to Benfica in 2020 as part of the Ruben Dias deal. Since then, his career has reached even greater heights, captaining Benfica to titles and playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory alongside Lionel Messi. He is still competing at the highest level in Portugal.
John Stones (Center-Back/Defensive Midfield)
In 2017, Stones was still finding his feet and dealing with critics of his "risky" style. Under Guardiola’s tutelage, he evolved into the "Barnsley Beckenbauer." Today, he is still at Manchester City, often deployed in a hybrid midfield role that has redefined how modern defenders operate. His transformation into one of the most technically gifted players in Europe is one of Pep’s greatest coaching achievements.
The Engine Room: Where Art Met Industry
The midfield that day was a blend of relentless energy and telepathic creativity. It was the beginning of the "Free Eight" system that would eventually see City break the 100-point barrier.
Fernandinho (Defensive Midfield)
The glue that held it all together. In 2017, Fernandinho was the undisputed enforcer. He stayed at the club until 2022, departing as one of the most decorated players in Premier League history. He returned to his roots in Brazil, joining Athletico Paranaense, where he continues to play professional football well into his late 30s, acting as a mentor to the next generation of Brazilian talent.
Kevin De Bruyne (Central Midfield)
The assist king. In 2017, KDB was just beginning to hit his peak. His vision against Brighton was a sign of things to come. Today, he is widely regarded as the best midfielder of his generation. While injuries have slowed him down slightly, his ability to produce "magic" remains unmatched. He is currently one of the few remaining "senior" figures from that 2017 squad still dominating at the Etihad.
David Silva (Central Midfield)
"El Mago." The man Bernardo Silva was ultimately brought in to succeed. David Silva was the heartbeat of City’s creative play in 2017. He left the club in 2020 with a statue outside the stadium. After three brilliant years back in Spain with Real Sociedad, a tragic ACL injury forced him into retirement in 2023. He is now enjoying life away from the pitch, though he is frequently seen visiting the Manchester City campus.
The Strike Force: Agility and Clinical Finishing
Before the days of Erling Haaland’s physical dominance, City’s attack was built on movement, interchanging positions, and the lethal instincts of two of South America’s finest strikers.
Gabriel Jesus (Forward)
The young Brazilian was the preferred choice on the left/center in 2017, having arrived just months prior. Jesus provided the high-intensity pressing Guardiola craved. In 2022, seeking more consistent minutes as a central striker, he moved to Arsenal. He helped lead the Gunners' resurgence under Mikel Arteta, though he has faced some challenges with fitness in recent seasons.
Sergio Aguero (Forward)
City’s all-time record goalscorer. In 2017, "Kun" was still at the peak of his powers. He scored the opening goal against Brighton that day, assisted by David Silva. Aguero left City in 2021 for Barcelona, but a heart condition forced him into a sudden and emotional retirement shortly after. Today, he is a massive personality in the digital world, becoming one of the most popular streamers on Twitch and serving as a global ambassador for Manchester City.
Danilo (Left-Back/Wing-Back)
Often forgotten in the headlines, Danilo started as a left-sided wing-back against Brighton due to Benjamin Mendy's injury. He spent two seasons at City before moving to Juventus in a swap deal for Joao Cancelo. Since then, Danilo has become a pillar of the Juventus defense and the captain of the Brazilian national team, showcasing incredible versatility and leadership in Serie A.
The Evolution: How Bernardo Silva Changed Everything
While the XI listed above started the match, the real story began in the 83rd minute when Bernardo Silva replaced Sergio Aguero. At the time, Bernardo was seen as a luxury player, a backup to David Silva. However, his work rate and tactical flexibility quickly made him indispensable.
Over the years, Bernardo has played as a right-winger, a central midfielder, a "false nine," and even a deep-lying playmaker. His presence allowed Guardiola to transition from the 4-3-3 of the "Centurions" era to the more fluid, control-based systems of recent years. Of the squad that faced Brighton in 2017, only Ederson, Walker, Stones, De Bruyne, and Bernardo himself remain at the club today.
The 2017 debut was more than just a game; it was the birth of a philosophy. Since that afternoon at the Amex, Bernardo has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the elusive UEFA Champions League. He has evolved from a talented youngster into a veteran leader who embodies the "City Way."
Where Are They Now? A Quick Summary Table
- Ederson: Still at Manchester City (Number 1).
- Kyle Walker: Still at Manchester City (Club Captain).
- Vincent Kompany: Head Coach at Bayern Munich.
- Nicolas Otamendi: Captain at Benfica.
- John Stones: Still at Manchester City.
- Danilo: Captain at Juventus.
- Fernandinho: Playing for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.
- Kevin De Bruyne: Still at Manchester City (Legend).
- David Silva: Retired (Former Real Sociedad).
- Gabriel Jesus: Playing for Arsenal.
- Sergio Aguero: Retired (Digital Content Creator/Ambassador).
The Class of 2017 will forever be remembered as the team that changed English football forever. As Bernardo Silva continues to pull the strings in the City midfield, his debut remains a significant milestone in the club's history—a day when a "Little Portuguese Wizard" began his journey toward becoming an all-time Premier League great.
As we look at where they are now, it’s clear that whether they are still at the Etihad, managing European giants, or enjoying retirement, the impact of this specific XI continues to resonate across the world of football.
Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017
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