Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva's debut in 2017

The summer of 2017 marked a seismic shift in the landscape of English football. Following a rare trophy-less debut season in England, Pep Guardiola was granted the financial backing to overhaul an aging Manchester City squad. Among the influx of talent was a diminutive, creative wizard from Monaco named Bernardo Silva. Costing a cool £43 million, Bernardo's arrival was the herald of a new era of technical dominance at the Etihad Stadium.

Bernardo Silva made his competitive debut for the Sky Blues on August 12, 2017, in a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. While Bernardo started that match on the bench—eventually replacing Gabriel Jesus in the 83rd minute—the starting XI that day laid the foundation for what would become the "Centurions" season. Looking back, that lineup was a fascinating blend of "Old City" legends and the "New City" superstars who would go on to win the Treble years later.

As Bernardo Silva continues to pull the strings in City's midfield today, let's take a nostalgic deep dive into the starting XI from his debut match. Where are these icons now? From managerial roles to retirements and continues European dominance, the paths they have taken are as diverse as their playing styles.

The Defensive Foundation: A Mix of Steel and Reinvention

The defensive unit in 2017 was undergoing a massive transformation. Guardiola moved away from the aging full-back duo of Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov, opting instead for high-energy, technically proficient defenders. This game against Brighton featured a back three/five hybrid that showcased the tactical flexibility Pep was trying to instill.

• Ederson (Goalkeeper): Having joined that same summer from Benfica for £35m, Ederson was a revelation. His debut was a clean sheet, and remarkably, he remains City's undisputed number one today. He has since redefined the role of a "sweeper-keeper" in the Premier League, accumulating numerous Golden Gloves and becoming a pivotal part of the club's leadership group.
• Kyle Walker (Right-Back/Wing-Back): Another 2017 arrival, Walker brought blistering pace to the flank. Fast forward to today, and he is the club captain. Despite being in his mid-30s, Walker remains one of the fastest players in the world and a vital cog in City's defensive transitions.
• Vincent Kompany (Center-Back): The legendary skipper was the heartbeat of the team in 2017. After leaving City in 2019 following a historic domestic treble, "The Prince" moved into management. After a successful stint leading Burnley back to the Premier League, Kompany made a shock move in 2024 to become the head coach of German giants Bayern Munich.
• John Stones (Center-Back): In 2017, Stones was still finding his feet under Pep's demanding system. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent defenders in world football. His evolution into a "hybrid" midfielder during the 2023 Treble-winning season is a testament to the growth he started back in 2017.
• Nicolas Otamendi (Center-Back): Known as "The General," Otamendi was a polarizing figure but a warrior on the pitch. He stayed at City until 2020 before moving to Benfica. He achieved the ultimate glory in 2022 by winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina as a vital starter. He currently remains the captain of Benfica in Portugal.
• Danilo (Left-Back/Wing-Back): A versatile squad player, Danilo's time at City was brief but trophy-laden. He moved to Juventus in 2019 as part of the Joao Cancelo deal. Today, Danilo is the captain of both Juventus and the Brazilian national team, proving his enduring value at the highest level.

The Engine Room: Where Magic and Industry Met

The midfield in 2017 was arguably the most creative in Premier League history. With two "Free 8s" operating behind a dynamic frontline, City began their journey toward becoming the highest-scoring team in the land. This was the era where the "Silva-Silva" partnership (David and eventually Bernardo) began to take shape.

• Fernandinho (Defensive Midfield): The glue that held it all together. Fernandinho was City's unsung hero for nearly a decade. He left the Etihad in 2022 as the most decorated Brazilian in Premier League history. Currently, at 39 years old, he is still playing professionally for his boyhood club, Athletico Paranaense, in Brazil, while also preparing for a future in club executive management.
• Kevin De Bruyne (Central Midfield): In 2017, De Bruyne was evolving from a talented playmaker into a global superstar. Today, he is a Manchester City icon and arguably the greatest midfielder to ever grace the Premier League. Despite recent injury battles, he remains the creative heartbeat of the team, continuing to provide the assists that Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland thrive upon.
• David Silva (Central Midfield): "El Mago" was at the peak of his powers during Bernardo's debut season. He left City in 2020 after ten legendary years, with a statue now standing outside the Etihad in his honor. David Silva continued to dazzle at Real Sociedad until a tragic ACL injury in the summer of 2023 forced him into a bittersweet retirement. He is now enjoying life away from the pitch, focusing on his wine business and family.

The Forward Line: The End of an Era and the Start of a New One

City's attack in 2017 was built on movement, pressing, and clinical finishing. The duo that started against Brighton represented the transition from the clinical poacher era to the fluid, interchangeable attacking system favored by Guardiola.

• Gabriel Jesus (Forward): The young Brazilian was in high demand in 2017, often starting ahead of Sergio Aguero due to his high-pressing work rate. Jesus stayed at City until 2022, winning four league titles before joining Arsenal. At the Emirates, he has become a senior leader, though he has faced challenges with injuries in recent seasons.
• Sergio Aguero (Forward): "Kun" scored the opening goal in this match against Brighton, assisted by David Silva. Aguero would go on to become City's all-time leading goalscorer before a heart condition forced him into sudden retirement shortly after joining Barcelona in 2021. Today, Aguero is a massive social media personality and a successful Twitch streamer, frequently seen supporting City at major finals as a global club ambassador.

The Impact of the 2017 Summer Transfer Window

It is impossible to discuss Bernardo Silva's debut without mentioning the strategic genius of that specific transfer window. While Bernardo was a "luxury" signing at the time—a player bought for his potential rather than an immediate need—the window also brought in Ederson, Kyle Walker, and Danilo. These signings solved the defensive crisis that had plagued Guardiola's first season.

The 2017-18 season, which began with this XI, saw Manchester City shatter almost every record in the book. They became the first team to reach 100 points, scored 106 goals, and recorded 32 wins. Bernardo Silva, initially a bit-part player in that debut against Brighton, eventually became the personification of that team's work ethic and technical brilliance.

Pep Guardiola once famously said, "Bernardo Silva is the best player I've ever seen at understanding the game." Looking at the XI he joined in 2017, it's clear he was surrounded by greatness, but he has outlasted almost all of them, becoming one of the few remaining links to that historic Centurions side.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures

The Manchester City XI from Bernardo Silva's debut in 2017 was more than just a football team; it was a blueprint for the future of the sport. While stars like Aguero, Kompany, and David Silva have moved on to new chapters or retirements, their influence remains embedded in the DNA of the club.

Today, as fans watch Bernardo Silva glide across the pitch at the Etihad, they aren't just watching a world-class midfielder—they are watching a survivor of one of the greatest squad overhauls in history. The transition from the 2017 XI to the current squad has been seamless, largely thanks to the culture of excellence established by the men on this list. Whether managing in the Bundesliga, winning World Cups in South America, or continuing to lift trophies in Manchester, the Class of 2017 will forever be remembered as the architects of the modern Manchester City dynasty.

Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva's debut in 2017

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