Pep Guardiola given star-studded farewell as Michael Jordan pays tribute in Manchester
Pep Guardiola received a star-studded farewell in Manchester, with Michael Jordan delivering a video tribute as City celebrated the departing coach at an open-top parade and Co-op Live after-party. The event showcased Guardiola’s decade of success, included Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s contract announcement and featured commitments from players to sustain the club’s ambition. The celebrations underscored Guardiola’s impact on Manchester City both on and off the pitch.
Jordan delivers recorded message to Guardiola
A sellout crowd of about 19,000 at the Co-op Live arena watched a video message from basketball legend Michael Jordan congratulating Pep Guardiola on his career and wishing him well in retirement. Jordan’s brief recorded remarks, including a light-hearted nod to Guardiola’s passion for golf, were met with loud applause from supporters and players alike. The tribute added an unexpected cross-sport cameo to a night already heavy with symbolic gestures.
Parade through Manchester draws thousands of supporters
Earlier, an open-top bus parade moved through Manchester streets as fans gathered to mark Guardiola’s final days in charge after a decade at the club. The procession provided a visual bookend to his era, with supporters lining routes around the Etihad area to salute the manager who transformed the club. Former players and celebrities were in attendance, heightening the sense of a civic celebration.
All trophies paraded as a testament to a decade of dominance
During the after-party, trophies from Guardiola’s tenure were carried onto the stage by players, coaches and notable figures associated with the club, spotlighting the scale of City’s achievements. Club officials noted a haul of 17 major trophies during his decade in charge, and the display of 20 awards in total illustrated the sustained success across competitions. The spectacle, which included appearances by former captain Vincent Kompany and musician Noel Gallagher, framed the evening as both a sporting and cultural milestone.
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw announces long-term contract
In a high-profile moment focused on the women’s team, forward Khadija Shaw publicly confirmed a new four-year contract with Manchester City during the event. Shaw’s announcement ended persistent transfer speculation linking her to other clubs and affirmed the club’s intent to retain top talent as Guardiola departs. The striker, who has been at City for five seasons, remains a central figure in the club’s plans for the women’s side.
Haaland stresses continuity and targets after leadership changes
Erling Haaland used his on-stage appearance to stress that Manchester City must continue to pursue major honours, despite the managerial change and the expected departures of several long-serving players. He acknowledged an “up-and-down” season but emphasised the squad’s determination to keep pushing for trophies in the years ahead. Haaland also paid tribute to departing teammates Bernardo Silva and John Stones, calling the period an “amazing journey” and urging focus on the club’s future goals.
Guardiola reflects on gratitude, family and legacy
Guardiola was invited to address the crowd after the formal presentations, expressing deep gratitude for the connection he felt with the club, its players and the city of Manchester. He spoke movingly about personal highlights, including the pride of having his 95-year-old father, Valentin, in attendance at the Etihad for one of his final matches in charge. Family reflections continued after the event, with Guardiola’s daughter sharing that the era meant historic moments for fans and lasting memories for the family.
The sendoff combined ceremony with intimacy, blending public celebration and private appreciation for an era that reshaped English football. Players, staff and supporters took the night to mark the achievements while signalling a readiness to meet the next chapter with ambition.
Guardiola’s decade at Manchester City will be measured by trophies and by the style of play and culture he established, and the farewells in Manchester reflected both metrics as the club prepares for managerial succession and a new phase on and off the pitch.
