Pep Guardiola has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester, recognising his remarkable impact on the city during nine trophy-laden years at the helm of Manchester City.
Presented with the award during a ceremony at the historic Whitworth Hall, the City manager was honoured not only for his sporting success but also for his contributions to Manchester’s wider community through the Guardiola Sala Foundation.
“Manchester means so much to me,” said Guardiola. “I have spent nine years here and it has become home. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful.”
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into a dominant force in English and European football, guiding the club to six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and a historic treble in 2023. Under his leadership, City also became the first club to win four consecutive Premier League titles, clinching their latest on the final day of the 2023/24 season.
Beyond the pitch, Guardiola’s influence has extended into the city itself, with the University praising his commitment to social responsibility and cultural life in Manchester.
University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, said: “Pep wasn’t born in Manchester, but the city has welcomed him and made it feel like home. He’s an innovator and a winner who has inspired millions through his success.”
The honorary degree is the highest recognition the University can confer, reserved for individuals who embody its values and have made outstanding contributions to society. Guardiola now joins a select group of recipients who have left a lasting mark on Manchester and beyond.
As Guardiola prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the next Premier League season, the award cements his status not just as a football icon but as a respected figure in Manchester’s cultural and civic life.
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