Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will step down as manager of Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in modern football.
The Spanish coach will leave the Etihad Stadium despite still having one year remaining on his current contract, closing the curtain on a remarkable 10-year spell in English football.
Guardiola’s departure follows growing speculation about his future after City lost the Premier League title race to Arsenal FC, who were confirmed champions after City’s defeat to AFC Bournemouth last week.
Manchester City will now prepare to give Guardiola an emotional farewell during their final league match of the season against Aston Villa FC.
Since arriving in 2016 after his successful spell with FC Bayern Munich, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of the dominant forces in world football.
During his time at the club, he managed 592 matches and won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the long awaited UEFA Champions League title.
The defining moment of Guardiola’s City reign came in 2023 when the club defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League final to complete a historic treble.
A winning goal from Rodri secured City’s first European crown and cemented Guardiola’s legacy at the club.
Although City failed to retain the Premier League title this season, Guardiola still guided the team to another FA Cup triumph, adding further silverware to an already extraordinary period of success.
His exit also marks the end of a famous managerial rivalry with Jürgen Klopp, who left Liverpool FC in 2024 after years of intense title battles with City.
Guardiola’s departure is expected to trigger major speculation about his next move, with many in football believing international management could be his next challenge.
For Manchester City supporters, however, the focus now shifts to giving farewell tributes to the coach who delivered the most successful chapter in the club’s history.
