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
As Bernardo Silva prepares for his final curtain call at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans are taking an emotional trip down memory lane. The Portuguese playmaker, who joined from Monaco in 2017, has defined an era of dominance under Pep Guardiola. His debut came on August 12, 2017, in a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. While Bernardo started that match on the bench, the starting eleven that day represented the dawn of a new age in English football. Nearly nine years later, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with legends retiring, moving to emerging leagues, or transitioning into high-profile managerial roles.
The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017 featured stars like Ederson, Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Danilo, Fernandinho, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, and Sergio Aguero. Today, only John Stones remains at the club alongside Bernardo, while others like Kompany and Aguero have retired, and stalwarts like De Bruyne and Ederson have recently moved on to new chapters in Italy and Turkey respectively.
The Goalkeeper: Ederson’s Transformative Era and Move to Turkey
On that sunny afternoon in Brighton, Ederson Moraes was also making his competitive debut for Manchester City. Arriving as a relatively unknown quantity from Benfica, he quickly silenced critics who questioned his record-breaking transfer fee for a goalkeeper. His ability to play as an extra outfield player revolutionized how the Premier League viewed the position. Ederson remained Pep Guardiola’s undisputed number one for eight seasons, collecting six Premier League titles and a historic Treble along the way.
However, the 2025/26 season saw a significant change. After nearly 400 appearances for the Sky Blues, Ederson decided it was time for a fresh challenge. In the summer of 2025, he joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Since moving to Istanbul, the Brazilian shot-stopper has maintained his high standards, recently recording over 30 appearances and continuing to showcase the pinpoint distribution that made him a legend in Manchester. His departure marked the end of an era for City’s defensive line, leaving Stefan Ortega and James Trafford to battle for the gloves.
Defensive Stalwarts: The Captain and the General
Vincent Kompany, the iconic captain who lifted City’s first Premier League trophy, was the heartbeat of the defense during Bernardo’s debut. After retiring in 2020 following a brief stint as player-manager at Anderlecht, Kompany’s rise in the managerial world has been nothing short of meteoric. After guiding Burnley to the Championship title and experiencing the rigors of the top flight, he landed one of the biggest jobs in world football. As of 2026, Kompany is the head coach of Bayern Munich, having already secured a Bundesliga title and currently leading the table in Germany. His leadership continues to inspire, though now from the touchline.
Partnering him that day was Nicolas Otamendi. Known for his aggressive tackling and aerial prowess, "The General" left Manchester in 2020 to join Benfica in a deal that saw Ruben Dias move the other way. Even at the age of 38, Otamendi remains a regular for both the Portuguese side and the Argentina national team. His longevity is a testament to his fitness and tactical intelligence, proving that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of European football.
The Full-Back Revolution: Walker and Danilo
Kyle Walker also made his debut in the same match as Bernardo Silva. For nearly a decade, Walker was the defensive insurance policy that allowed City’s attackers to thrive, using his recovery pace to snuff out counter-attacks. After a storied career at the Etihad, Walker’s contract expired in 2025. Following a brief six-month loan at AC Milan, the veteran right-back made a surprising return to English football by signing for Burnley. Now 35, Walker is a vital leader for the Clarets, helping them navigate the challenges of the Premier League with his immense experience.
On the opposite flank was Danilo, another 2017 arrival. The versatile Brazilian spent only two seasons in Manchester before moving to Juventus in 2019 as part of the Joao Cancelo swap. Danilo became a mainstay and eventually the captain of the Italian giants. However, by 2026, he has returned to his homeland. Currently playing for Flamengo in Brazil, Danilo is enjoying the twilight of his career in the familiar surroundings of the Brasileirao, bringing his European winning mentality back to South America.
Midfield Mastery: The Heartbeat of the 100-Point Season
The midfield trio against Brighton consisted of Fernandinho, David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandinho, the ultimate defensive midfielder, served City until 2022. He returned to his boyhood club, Athletico Paranaense, where he continues to play an influential role despite being in his late 30s. His legacy as a club legend was cemented by his transition into the captaincy following Kompany’s departure, and he is often cited by current players as the ultimate professional.
David Silva, "El Mago," left City in 2020 after a decade of magic. He spent three successful seasons at Real Sociedad before a tragic ACL injury in 2023 forced his retirement. Today, Silva is often seen back at the Etihad as a guest, watching the next generation of creative midfielders attempt to replicate his effortless grace on the ball. His statue outside the stadium serves as a permanent reminder of the impact he had on the club’s history.
| Player Name | Current Status (April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ederson | Fenerbahce (Goalkeeper) |
| Vincent Kompany | Bayern Munich (Manager) |
| Kyle Walker | Burnley (Defender) |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Napoli (Midfielder) |
| John Stones | Manchester City (Defender) |
| Gabriel Jesus | Arsenal (Forward) |
Kevin De Bruyne: A Legend’s New Adventure in Italy
Kevin De Bruyne’s journey since 2017 is the stuff of legend. He became the creative engine that powered City to four consecutive titles and their maiden Champions League trophy. However, all great stories eventually reach a new chapter. In the summer of 2025, after a decade of service, De Bruyne made a high-profile move to Napoli in Serie A. Despite a hamstring injury late in 2025 that sidelined him for several months, he has recently returned to the pitch, showing flashes of the brilliance that made him the best midfielder in Premier League history. His vision and crossing remains unmatched, even as he approaches his 35th birthday.
The departure of De Bruyne left a massive void in City's midfield, which has been filled by the likes of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki. While the team has adapted, the fans still hold "KDB" in the highest regard. His move to Italy was seen as a way to test himself in a different tactical environment, and early reports from Naples suggest he has quickly become a fan favorite at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The Attack: Aguero’s Retirement and Jesus’s North London Move
Sergio Aguero led the line on the day of Bernardo’s debut. The club’s all-time leading goalscorer left City in 2021 to join Barcelona. Sadly, his time in Spain was cut short due to a heart condition, forcing his retirement just five games into his Barca career. Since then, Aguero has become a massive presence in the digital world, engaging with millions of fans through streaming and his own esports organization, KRÜ Esports. He remains a regular visitor to Manchester and was recently involved in the celebrations for City's 2025 title win.
Gabriel Jesus, who started alongside Aguero that day, moved to Arsenal in 2022. His career in North London has been a mix of brilliant form and frustrating injuries. As of 2026, he is approaching the final year of his contract at the Emirates. Jesus has recently expressed a desire to eventually return to his roots at Palmeiras, but for now, he remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, contributing to their resurgence as title contenders. His work rate and versatility continue to be his greatest assets.
The Sole Survivor: John Stones and the Changing Guard
John Stones is the only player from that 2017 starting XI who is still wearing the sky blue of Manchester City in 2026. His transformation under Guardiola has been remarkable, evolving from a traditional center-back into a "libero" who frequently steps into midfield. Despite various injury setbacks over the years, Stones remains a vital part of the squad and a leader for the younger defenders like Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol. His experience is crucial as the club transitions away from the veteran core that Bernardo Silva was a part of.
With Bernardo Silva confirmed to be leaving at the end of the 2025/26 season, Stones will become the final link to that specific era. The "Barnsley Beckenbauer" has matured into one of the most decorated English players of all time. As the club looks toward the 2027 "sprint season" and beyond, Stones’ role as a mentor will be just as important as his performances on the pitch. He represents the consistency and excellence that has defined the Guardiola years.
Where Are They Now? The Subs and the Manager
Bernardo Silva himself was a 67th-minute substitute for Sergio Aguero in that Brighton game. Since then, he has made over 450 appearances, becoming the heartbeat of the team’s press and creativity. Other players who featured during that season, like Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, have also moved on. Sane is currently at Galatasaray, while Sterling is at Feyenoord after a stint with Chelsea. The turnover has been high, but the quality has remained consistent thanks to Guardiola’s recruitment and tactical evolution.
Pep Guardiola, the architect of it all, remains at the helm, continuing to reinvent his tactics season after season. His ability to maintain a winning culture while rotating world-class talent is the reason why City remains at the pinnacle of football. As he prepares to lose another one of his "generals" in Bernardo Silva, the focus shifts to the next generation of stars like Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, ensuring that the legacy of the 2017 class continues to live on in the trophies they won together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who remains at Manchester City from the 2017 starting XI?
As of April 2026, John Stones is the only player from the starting XI of Bernardo Silva's debut match who is still playing for Manchester City.
Where is Kevin De Bruyne playing now?
Kevin De Bruyne joined Napoli in the summer of 2025 and is currently competing in Italy's Serie A.
What is Vincent Kompany doing now?
Vincent Kompany is the manager of Bayern Munich. He led them to the Bundesliga title in the 2024/25 season.
Why did Sergio Aguero retire?
Sergio Aguero was forced to retire in 2021 shortly after joining Barcelona due to a cardiac arrhythmia (heart condition).
Which team did Ederson join after leaving Man City?
Ederson joined the Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2025 after eight successful seasons in Manchester.
Conclusion
The Manchester City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017 will forever be remembered as the foundation of one of the greatest dynasties in sporting history. From the revolutionary goalkeeping of Ederson to the clinical finishing of Sergio Aguero, every player on that pitch played a role in transforming City into a global powerhouse. As we look at where they are now in 2026, it is clear that while their paths have diverged—ranging from elite management in Germany to leading the charge in emerging leagues—their collective impact remains etched in the record books. Bernardo Silva’s departure this summer marks the final transition of a legendary era, leaving fans with a lifetime of memories and a trophy cabinet full of success.
Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017
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