Dr Pep Guardiola: A Manchester story

At 54, Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola is considered by many as one of the greatest football managers of all time. In the nine years he’s spent coaching Manchester City Football Club, the team has won 18 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League. Pep is a certified legend in the sporting world, and one Manchester is very proud of. 

A new title to add to the collection

On Monday, 9 June 2025, The University of Manchester awarded Pep Guardiola an honorary doctorate to recognise his successes, extraordinary contribution to the city, and the work of the Guardiola Sala Foundation.  

In front of a small audience in Whitworth Hall, Pep stood quietly – a contrast to his animated pitch-side nature – as our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, read aloud his many achievements. It was only later that Pep allowed himself a small smile, when introduced as ‘Dr Guardiola’ for the first time. The award honours his principles in innovation, respect and compassion, and his belief in the power of ideas and excellence. Duncan spoke of Pep’s “transformative contributions to sport, to civic life and the cities he’s served”, and his “unwavering belief in the power of leadership and continuing learning”. 

"It's in my bones"

Manchester has left a lasting impact on so many who have called it home. Like many of our international students, Pep has fostered a deep connection with the city, describing it as “in his bones”.  

“Catalonia is my home, but Manchester will remain something unique for the rest of my life. I have lived the best moments of my life, I would say, here.” He referenced his newfound love for the rain, spoke of the Mancunian sense of humour, and didn’t waste the opportunity to shout-out his good friend and Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher – “I love you, Noel”.  

On 22 May 2017, his daughters and wife attended an Ariana Grande concert at the AO Arena in Manchester. While they returned home safely, the date is remembered for the terror attack that took the lives of 22 people. It was in the aftermath and, in particular, the reaction of the community that struck Pep and strengthened his connection with the city’s people – “What followed wasn’t silence, it was love.  

“The night showed us something important – in the face of horror, the true Manchester wasn’t fear; it was kindness, feelings and community.” Following the tragedy Pep personally contributed to the emergency fund and his bond with the city became eternal, as he promised to never manage another English football team. 

It’s about humanity. It’s about learning how other people live, think and what they’re fighting for. It’s about perspective.

"Education is not about textbooks"

Former Manchester City Captain and fellow honorary graduate, Vincent Kompany, once described Pep’s coaching style as “like being at university every day”. While Pep never enrolled in higher education, his own football career saw him win multiple trophies while playing for FC Barcelona, including one European Cup. The experience helped him become one of the world’s most respected leaders, both in and out of football.  

Pep understands that his position comes with great responsibility. An advocate for refugees, challenger of injustice and defender of democratic expression, he has always used his voice to speak up for those who may not be heard.  

“Education – the proper one – is not about textbooks. It’s about humanity. It’s about learning how other people live, think and what they’re fighting for. It’s about perspective,” Pep said in his acceptance speech.  

“We live in a world now where too many people are shouting, and too few are truly listening. Where it’s easier to pick a side than to understand one. And where silence in the face of injustice feels safer than speaking out.” 

Pep Guardiola in ceremonial robes

"Trophies gather dust"

The influence of Pep’s leadership is seen in the reactions of students in the audience as they listen to his thoughts and advice – hanging on his every word.  

“You earn wisdom from failing, from listening, from asking hard questions, from feeling the weight of your choices and choosing with conviction and humanity. Generosity to others, the belief that, I’m sorry to tell you, we are not special. The belief that we are not more than a dot in the universe. That today we are here and tomorrow we are not,” he says.  

In the 2022/23 season, Manchester City became only the second team ever to win the treble (Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League), and the season after were the first to win the Premier League trophy in four successive seasons. Pep’s career continues to redefine itself and grow as he implements his free-flowing football philosophy around the globe. But his advice on achievement in life is simple: “Follow something that comes from the gut. Don’t do it for money – do it because you love it. Everything comes from the passion.”  

Pep’s final words at the graduation ceremony put his successes into perspective and provided new insight into the personality of our latest honorary doctor: “Trophies gather dust, but ideas and love can change the world.” Met with rapturous applause, Dr Guardiola left Whitworth Hall adorned in his ceremonial robes to the sound of the organ playing Manchester City’s anthem, Blue Moon.