Pep Guardiola to Leave Manchester City After a Decade

Manchester City announced on 22 May 2026 that Pep Guardiola will step down after the season’s last Premier League match, a home game against Aston Villa. A break-clause ends his contract a year early; he will become a global ambassador for the City Football Group, advising its clubs.

ESPN

Guardiola joined in July 2016 from Bayern Munich, succeeding Manuel Pellegrini. After a trophy-less first season he introduced a possession-based, high-pressing system that produced four straight league titles (2020-21 to 2023-24) and a historic treble in 2023.

Man City confirm Guardiola's exit after 10-year reign, 20 trophies

Sources differ on the total: some list 20 trophies, others 17 major trophies. Achievements include six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the 2023 Champions League, a Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and two domestic doubles. Guardiola holds the Premier League’s highest points-per-game average (2.34) and oversaw the 100-point, 106-goal 2017-18 season.

Man City confirm Guardiola's exit after 10-year reign, 20 trophies

Guardiola said, “Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.” He added, “Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.” Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak noted the club’s “honesty and trust” and called the decision “the right answer.” Chief executive Ferran Soriano called the legacy “extraordinary” and said its full impact will be judged by future historians.

The Independent

The club faces 115 alleged Premier League financial-rule breaches (2009-18). Rival managers such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta have been noted as competitive challenges during Guardiola’s era.

Al Jazeera (website)

Reports vary between 20 total trophies and 17 major trophies, and the ambassadorial role’s scope and duration remain undisclosed.

The Independent

• “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… Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.” — Pep Guardiola, statement

Heavy

• “When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun.’ And what a time we have had together.” — Pep Guardiola, statement

Heavy

• “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.” — Pep Guardiola, statement

Heavy

• “Pep's legacy is extraordinary and its true impact will be better assessed by Manchester City historians of the future.” — Ferran Soriano, chief executive

ESPN

Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager and Guardiola’s 2022-23 assistant, will take over on a three-year deal. The North Stand will be renamed the “Pep Guardiola Stand” and a statue commissioned. Sporting director Hugo Viana says the transition will preserve the tactical framework while allowing the new manager to imprint his own ideas.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City exit will bring excitement and dread