Man City are undeniably one of the best teams in the world. They’ve got a long history with a fair cupboard full of silverware, but only a real fully goated expert will be able to rattle off facts like Haaland scores goals. So check out these facts and prepare yourself to lift the fact trophy! Let’s go!

1. Man City was founded a really long time ago!

Lots of English football teams were founded in the 19th century, but Man City were one of the first. They started playing in 1880 and ever since then they’ve been one of the leading teams in the country! With experience comes skill right?

2. But Man City wasn’t their first name!

In fact they’ve had a few names! Their name when they formed for the first time was ‘West Gorton St Marks’ but when they went pro they changed to Ardwick FC. It took a few more years for them to change their name again to what we know today! Cool right? What will their name be in 100 years?

3. The club was started to stop bad behaviour!

Life in the 1800s was tough, people were poor and desperate. Sometimes they joined criminal gangs to try and survive but this often got them in lots of trouble with the police. Manchester City FC was started so young men had something other than gangs to feel part of – pretty good idea right?

4. A Man City goalkeeper once played with a broken neck!

In the 1956 FA cup final vs Birmingham it was all on the line and it looked like anyone might win, but Manchester City pulled through. They ended up winning 3-1 but found out after the game that their keeper Bert Trautmann had broken his neck in a collision with a Birmingham player and still played on!

5. They’re famous for spending money!

Man City haven’t always been at the top of their game, and for a long time they struggled to avoid relegation. But their solution was simple – SPEND MONEY! In 2009 the club spent a really very silly amount, but soon enough they were in the big leagues again.

6. Their badge represents their history!

The Man City badge, with the golden ship, is all about the club’s connection to Manchester. The city was once very important for trade all around the world and this little ship on their badges reminds the players and the fans of the history of the city and where the club came from.

7. Pep Guardiola used to be a player!

Way back in the early 1990s, Man City manager Pep used to play on the pitch – way before there was that little white box to stop the manager from getting too close to the players! He was pretty good too and from his defensive mid position helped Barcelona win the European Cup!

8. Manchester United are still ahead!

Although Manchester City are on a winning streak, in their whole history, Manchester United have won more derby matches! But shhhh! Don’t say that too loud because City and United have one of the fiercest rivalries in all of football so be careful!

9. City was one of the first Women’s teams!

Women’s football has taken a long time to get off the ground. In fact it was banned by the FA until 1970, but Manchester City were one of the first teams in the Northwest of England to have a proper squad which was closely linked to the men’s team! Nice work – but we’re not sure why there hasn’t been one from the very start!

10. The Women’s team won their first silverware in 1998!

It took the women’s team a whole 10 years to win their first official trophy because they simply weren’t being funded like the men’s squad. Their pitch and ground wasn’t up to scratch and when the men’s team needed money, the women’s team lost out. But things were about to change and after they got promoted they ended up winning the Premier Division the next season!

11. The legendary Jill Scott played for City!

Jill Scott is one of the greatest players in the game, and she really came into her own playing for City. She even scored a goal in the 2017 FA Cup Final against Birmingham, not bad for a midfielder! Thankfully, nobody hurt their neck that time! Phew!

12. Their first ground didn’t have a changing room!

Way back in the very beginning of Man City’s journey, before they moved to Maine Road, the club used to call a place called Hyde Road home – except it didn’t have anywhere to get ready for the match, so the players had to get changed in a nearby pub! Sadly in the 1920s there was a big fire and they had to move.

13. They’ve only had three stadiums!

Lots of football clubs have had many different stadiums to call home, but Manchester City have only had three! Their newest one is called The Etihad Stadium and it can fit a whopping 55 thousand people in it! Imagine the noise for the players!

14. The Etihad Stadium isn’t its real name!

It’s only called that for sponsorship! When someone spends enough cold hard cash, they can call it whatever they want! But in fact, the real name of the Manchester Ground is ‘The Manchester City Stadium’ – it’s true though, it doesn’t have the same ring to it…

15. City have been home to international winners!

The Women’s Euro 2022 team made history for England and Manchester City – with some of the best of the Lionesses getting on their A-Game through time spent at City. Ellen White, Keira Walsh, Jill Scott and Lucy Bronze all used to play in blue! How about that?