Pep Guardiola announced Friday that he will step down as manager of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Guardiola's departure marks the end of an era for the Premier League club, as he leaves behind a legacy of dominance in English and European football. His exit creates a significant power vacuum at one of the world's most valuable sports franchises.
The manager has led the club for 10 years [1]. During this decade, Guardiola oversaw the acquisition of 20 major trophies [1]. This haul includes six Premier League titles [1], five League Cup titles [1], and three FA Cup titles [1]. He also led the club to one UEFA Champions League title [1].
Guardiola said he is satisfied and happy with his time at the club and decided to step away after a decade of success. The club thanked him for an "incredible decade."
"It has been so f--king fun," Guardiola said.
While his existing contract runs until summer 2027 [7], the manager confirmed he will depart earlier than the agreement expires. This decision comes as he prepares for a period of rest away from the sidelines.
"I won't train for a while," Guardiola said.
“It has been so f--king fun”
Guardiola's departure signals a transition for Manchester City from a period of tactical hegemony to an uncertain future. By leaving a year before his contract expires, he avoids the typical cycle of late-stage decline, instead exiting at a peak of achievement. The club must now find a successor capable of maintaining a complex system of play and high expectations that Guardiola established over 10 years.
