Man City Parade Marks Guardiola’s Emotional Farewell After 10 Years
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| “Devastated” Man City fans say goodbye to Guardiola at trophy parade |
City supporters lined the streets in Manchester to celebrate Guardiola’s final day, with fans and players paying tribute to the departing manager.
After a decade in charge, Pep Guardiola’s farewell parade saw fans honor his legacy with trophies, tributes, and emotional tributes...
Manchester City’s trophy parade and after-party on Monday mixed celebration with emotion, as fans marked a successful season and said farewell to Pep Guardiola.
A day after Guardiola’s final game in charge after a decade of trophies, thousands lined the streets in 31 degrees Celsius heat with sky-blue confetti in the air. Fans climbed street lights and crowded every vantage point for a look at the Spaniard who shaped an era.
The League Cup and FA Cup trophies won this season sat on top of the open-top buses. But the loudest cheers were for the 55-year-old Guardiola as he waved and smiled.
“I've been going to City for about 10 years, since I was six, since Pep joined,” said 16-year-old Hadley Partridge, dressed in a Rodri shirt.
“I love Pep, and obviously don't want to see him go.”
Asked how his departure felt, the teenager did not hesitate.
“Devastated. I wanted him to stay for 10 more years to be fair, get every trophy,” Partridge said.
For Lisa and Steve Evans, who have been season ticket holders for more than 20 years, Guardiola's departure meant more than the end of a glittering era. It resonated across generations.
“Devastated,” the couple said in unison.
Atop the sky-blue buses, the players who carried that philosophy forward took in the moment. They knew they were part of an ending as much as a celebration.
Some reflected on departing stalwarts captain Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
“Two legends in the club,” said Erling Haaland, who won the league's Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons. “They've been amazing on and off the pitch for us. I'm proud to have been playing with them.”
Others spoke directly about Guardiola's influence.
“Many tears, a knot in your throat,” Lisa said.
While Guardiola's exit brought sadness, it also highlighted how deep his legacy runs.
“He changed football in England,” Steve said. “And his work ethic, he never stops.”
“It's his passion, isn't it?” Lisa added. “I think he genuinely just loves football, I don't think it's about the money.”
The pleasure will always be ours, Pep 🥺🩵 pic.twitter.com/M6SEck9qKq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 25, 2026
Atop the sky-blue buses, the players who carried that philosophy forward took in the moment. They knew they were part of an ending as much as a celebration.
Some reflected on departing stalwarts captain Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
“Two legends in the club,” said Erling Haaland, who won the league's Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons. “They've been amazing on and off the pitch for us. I'm proud to have been playing with them.”
Others spoke directly about Guardiola's influence.
“I'm going to miss him a lot,” said Jeremy Doku. “His way of coaching, his way of giving advice, he's a legend, probably one of the best managers ever. He deserves his rest.”
City's women, who won the Women's Super League title earlier this month for the first time in a decade, celebrated from their own buses during the parade.
“We worked so hard throughout the season, to finally get our hands on the trophy, it's just an amazing feeling,” said Khadija (Bunny) Shaw, who won the WSL's Golden Boot for a third successive year.
What. A. Moment. pic.twitter.com/daHgFqyYQT
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 25, 2026
Players sprayed champagne as the open-top buses made their way onto the arena floor. A sold-out crowd of 17,000 waited inside the Co-Op Live arena to celebrate at the After Party.
Former and current players including Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, and Jack Grealish joined Guardiola's three children, Maria, Marius, and Valentina, and Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher on stage. Together they paraded Guardiola's 20 trophies one one.
The night also included several video tributes, with one coming from NBA legend Michael Jordan.
“I want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career, enjoy your retirement,” Jordan said.
A future without Guardiola is inevitable, and fans are already trying to imagine what it looks like.
Partridge spoke with hope about the transition. He pointed to Guardiola's former assistant Enzo Maresca, who is reportedly set to take over as Guardiola's replacement.
“I feel like he's a good one, because he was Pep's second man so he knows Pep's tactics,” he said. “If we don't mess anything up, we'll be good.”
For a few hours on Monday, City fans stayed in the moment. It was a celebration mixed with grief, and gratitude was clear in every cheer.
Be like Pep, put your cream on! 😂 pic.twitter.com/KALoYe9lBD
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 25, 2026
Guardiola leaves having delivered both trophies and a distinct style of play. He also leaves something less tangible: a connection that brought adults to tears and made teenagers wish for another decade with him.
“I feel the connection that this club (has) from the first minute,” Guardiola told the crowd. “Thank you so much, I don't have enough gratitude. I will have (that with me) for the rest of my life.”
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