Spanish pro manager, Pep Guardiola, will step down as manager of Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Guardiola’s effect at Manchester City since joing in 2016 has been “transformative”, the Club said via a lengthy statement on Friday 22 May, 2026.
The former FC Barcelona head coach has emerged the “most successful” manager in the history of the Club.
The Statement reads: “The Catalan, who joined City in July 2016, has had a transformative effect during his ten years in charge, and will leave having won 20 major trophies – making him the most successful Manager in our history.”
The Spaniard will still maintain his relationship with City despite stepping down as manager; he will remain with the City Football Group and take up a role as a Global Ambassador.
The Statement also reads: “the role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations.”
According to the Club’s official website, Guardiola said, no one should ask him the “reasons” he is leaving the Cityzens, adding, “nothing is eternal”.
He said: “And what a time we have had together. Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.
“This is a city built from work.
“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.
“Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.
“Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.
“So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me.
“Thank you for loving me.
“Love you all.”
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City Chairman, said: “Over the last ten years honesty and trust have formed the bedrock on which we have navigated every situation together with Pep – always understanding that we could find the right answer together. Today the right answer is for Pep to finish his journey as the Manager of Manchester City.
“The Club has a decade of memories and success to be forever grateful for, and much more than that, an evolution that cannot be undone.”
Khaldoon continued, Guardiola is the “reason that in the last ten years he has not only made Manchester City better – he has also made football better.”
Ferran Soriano, Manchester City Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been privileged to work alongside Pep Guardiola for 10 years. We have witnessed his greatness and dedication, but also enjoyed his companionship, his friendship and humanity.
“We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend… forever.”
Photo: Pep Guardiola takes a shot with trophies he won at Manchester City | Manchester City/X
