After a decade filled with trophies, records, and unforgettable nights, Pep Guardiola is preparing to bring his remarkable journey with Manchester City to an end this summer. Guardiola leaves the club after winning 20 major trophies and transforming City into one of the dominant forces in world football.
AFP Sports selected the top moments of Guardiola's journey with the Citizens, which will be forever remembered and praised in the history of football.
The 100-Point Premier League Season
After a difficult first season in England, Guardiola’s project exploded into life during the 2017-18 campaign. Manchester City stormed to the Premier League title with a record-breaking 100 points, becoming the first club in English top-flight history to reach the milestone. City also scored 106 goals and finished with a remarkable goal difference of +79.
Guardiola later reflected on the achievement by saying: “Fifty points at home, 50 points away. It’s incredible.”
Historic Domestic Treble
City followed that title-winning campaign with another extraordinary season in 2018-19. Guardiola’s side edged out Liverpool FC in one of the greatest Premier League title races ever, winning their final 14 league matches to secure the championship with 98 points.
The club also lifted the League Cup and defeated Watford FC 6-0 in the FA Cup final, becoming the first English side to complete a domestic treble.
Speaking about the rivalry with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, Guardiola said, "I will always remember the biggest rival and how incredible battles we had between each other.”
Conquering Europe at Last
For years, the UEFA Champions League remained the missing piece in Guardiola’s Manchester City legacy. That finally changed in 2023 when City conquered Europe for the first time in club history.
One of the defining moments of Guardiola’s reign came in the semi-final second leg against Real Madrid CF, when City produced a stunning 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The journey ended in Istanbul, where City defeated FC Internazionale Milano 1-0 to lift the Champions League trophy. The triumph also completed a historic treble, as City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Four Consecutive Premier League Titles
Guardiola added another historic achievement in 2024 by guiding Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title, something no English club had managed before.
City held off a rising Arsenal FC side managed by Guardiola’s former assistant Mikel Arteta, winning their final nine league matches to secure the title once again.
Club World Cup Glory
Manchester City’s dominance extended onto the global stage later in 2023 when Guardiola led the club to FIFA Club World Cup success. City defeated Fluminense FC 4-0 in the final in Saudi Arabia, adding another international trophy to Guardiola’s collection.
The victory capped a historic year that also included Champions League and UEFA Super Cup success.
20th Trophy
Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley marked the club’s 20th trophy under Pep Guardiola, closing another landmark chapter in his decade-long reign.
Speaking after the victory, Guardiola highlighted what he sees as the real achievement behind City’s success, pointing to their unmatched consistency in reaching major finals.
“I think the biggest title is to come here 24 times,” he said. “That is the biggest success, more than all the Premier Leagues.”
Guardiola’s Emotional Farewell
Following the announcement of his departure, Guardiola delivered an emotional message to Manchester City supporters after the club confirmed he would step down this summer.
“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way,” Guardiola said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me.”
Despite leaving his role as manager, Guardiola will continue working with City Football Group as a Global Ambassador.
His legacy at Manchester City stretches far beyond trophies, with his influence reshaping both the club and English football itself.
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