Pep Guardiola Confirms Departure from Manchester City After Decade-Long Tenure

Pep Guardiola has officially announced he will step down as the manager of Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, marking the end of a transformative ten-year era at the club. The 55-year-old confirmed his departure in a heartfelt statement on Friday, May 22, 2026, noting that while there is no singular reason for his exit, he feels it is the right time to move on.  

Joining the club in July 2016, Guardiola’s tenure is widely considered the most successful in Manchester City’s history. Over the past decade, he has led the team to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. Although his pursuit of a seventh Premier League title ended following City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth this past Tuesday, he concludes his final campaign with a domestic cup double, having secured both the FA Cup and the League Cup.  

Reflecting on his time at the Etihad, Guardiola 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.”  

Despite stepping down as manager after his final match against Aston Villa this Sunday, Guardiola will not be severing ties with the organization. He is set to transition into a new role as a Global Ambassador for the City Football Group, where he will provide technical expertise and support collaborative projects across the group’s international network of clubs. In recognition of his immense contributions, the club has announced that the Etihad Stadium’s expanded North Stand will be renamed the “Pep Guardiola Stand,” and a statue will be commissioned in his honor. Enzo Maresca is reportedly set to succeed him as the next manager of the club.