Manchester City have officially confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the 2025–26 season, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 10-year reign that reshaped English football.
His final match in charge will be played at the Etihad Stadium against Aston Villa on Sunday, a fixture now set to serve as a farewell occasion for one of the most influential managers the game has ever seen.
Guardiola, 55, is understood to be activating a break clause in his contract, allowing him to depart one year earlier than previously expected.
The decision ends a week of speculation about his long-term future and confirms the conclusion of a trophy-laden tenure that transformed Manchester City into a global football powerhouse.
His departure comes after a season that saw City narrowly miss out on the Premier League title, finishing behind Arsenal following a decisive run of results in the closing stages of the campaign.
Despite that setback, City still secured silverware in domestic competitions earlier in the season, maintaining their reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent winning sides.
When Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016, the club was already competitive but had not yet reached the level of sustained dominance it would later achieve. Over the next ten years, he completely reshaped the club’s identity, tactical structure, and global reputation.
Under his leadership, City evolved into a possession-dominant, tactically flexible team capable of adapting to multiple systems without losing control of matches. His influence extended beyond tactics, impacting recruitment, youth development, and the club’s long-term football philosophy.
By the time of his departure, Guardiola has won 20 major trophies with Manchester City, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, a Champions League triumph, and international honours.
His most iconic achievements include leading City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2023 as part of a historic continental treble, and becoming the first Premier League manager to guide a team to 100 points in a single season during the 2017–18 campaign.
Guardiola’s decade at the Etihad is widely regarded as one of the most successful managerial spells in modern football history. Across domestic and international competitions, City consistently set new benchmarks for excellence.
He delivered six Premier League titles, several domestic cup doubles, and sustained Champions League contention that finally culminated in European glory in 2023. His teams were known for record-breaking winning streaks, possession control, and tactical innovation that influenced coaches across Europe.
Guardiola’s final game at the Etihad against Aston Villa is expected to be a highly emotional occasion, with tributes planned from the club, fans, and players. The match will symbolically close a chapter that saw Manchester City rise from Premier League contenders to global football giants.
While Guardiola is stepping down as manager, he will remain linked to Manchester City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role.
This would involve advisory responsibilities across the group’s network of clubs worldwide, as well as potential involvement in technical football development projects.
