Pep Guardiola Awarded Honorary Degree by University of Manchester

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester on Monday, June 9, 2025, in recognition of his significant contributions to the city over the past nine years, both in sport and the wider community.

"Manchester means so much to me. I have spent nine years here and it has become home. The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues… it is all so special to me and my family," Guardiola said in his speech, as quoted by the University of Manchester.

The ceremony, held at the historic Whitworth Hall, was officiated by Vice-Chancellor Nazir Afzal. The honorary degree recognized not only Guardiola’s success in football but also his impact beyond the sport, including his philanthropic work through the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

"When I arrived here in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful," said the 54-year-old Spaniard.

He also acknowledged the university’s role in the city: "I want to thank everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment – and I want to thank everyone at Manchester City for their constant support."

University President Professor Duncan Ivison praised Guardiola’s influence: "We are honoured that he has chosen to accept this degree. I hope that this forges another important connection between him, the University of Manchester, and the city."

Pep Guardiola’s remarkable leadership journey in football

Pep Guardiola began his managerial career with Barcelona’s first team in 2008, winning La Liga three times in four seasons and securing two UEFA Champions League titles. He then moved to Bayern Munich, where he reached the Champions League semifinals three years in a row, claimed three Bundesliga titles, and won the domestic double twice.

Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016. In his second season, he led the club to both the Premier League title and the EFL Cup. That same year, he earned four consecutive Manager of the Month awards and was named both Premier League Manager of the Season and LMA Manager of the Year.

In the 2018/2019 season, he was again honored as Premier League Manager of the Season after guiding City to four more trophies, bringing his total to six in just three seasons—making him the most successful manager in the club’s history at that point.

City added the Carabao Cup and Community Shield to their silverware collection in 2019/2020. In 2020/2021, Guardiola claimed another Premier League title and Carabao Cup and made history by leading City to their first-ever Champions League final in May 2021—raising his trophy tally with the club to 10.

Guardiola’s continued excellence brought City a fourth Premier League title in five years in 2021/2022 and a fifth in 2022/2023. That same season, he led the team to a historic treble, winning the league, FA Cup, and Champions League.

In 2023/2024, City became the first club to win the Premier League title in four consecutive seasons, securing it on the final day of the campaign.

Guardiola’s impact has extended beyond the pitch. His leadership is seen as a benchmark for excellence and continuous improvement, influencing not only the football world but leadership culture more broadly.

The University of Manchester also recognized his contribution to the city’s cultural and community life, as well as his strong commitment to social responsibility through his family’s charitable organization, the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

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