Pep Guardiola Conferred with Honorary Degree by University of Manchester for Club Exploits

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been bestowed with an honorary degree by the University of Manchester, acknowledging his remarkable contribution to the city over the past nine years, both on and off the field.

 

In a ceremony held within the venerable Whitworth Hall, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal.

 

This accolade celebrates not only his triumphs in the sporting realm but also his inspirational endeavors beyond football, notably through his family foundation, the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

 

Pep expressed: “Manchester holds profound significance for me. Having spent nine years here, it has truly become my home. The people, the culture, my extraordinary football club, my colleagues… it all holds a special place for me and my family.

 

“When I arrived here in 2016, I was uncertain about the duration of my stay. The warmth with which this city welcomed me made everything seamless. My time here has been nothing short of beautiful.

 

“I am aware of the University of Manchester’s vital role in our city. It is a hub for extensive research and boasts a legacy of groundbreaking discoveries.

 

“Therefore, to be honored in such a manner by such a prestigious institution is a truly remarkable sensation.

 

“I extend my gratitude to everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment — and my thanks to everyone at Manchester City for their unwavering support.”

 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, remarked: “Pep was not born in Manchester, but like myself and countless others, the city has embraced him, making it feel like home.

 

This embrace, and how Manchester becomes a part of one’s identity, is why so many develop a profound, lifelong bond with the city.

 

“Pep is a visionary and a victor who has inspired millions through his managerial success.

 

“He has played a pivotal role in establishing Manchester as a global success story, and we are privileged that he has accepted this degree. I hope this forges another significant connection between him, the University of Manchester, and the city.” Honorary degrees represent the highest accolades the University can bestow.

 

The University acknowledges exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, embodying its values, enhancing the lives of local communities, or having a significant impact in their field and often far beyond.

 

Renowned as one of the most successful and innovative managers in the annals of the game, Pep followed a trophy-laden playing career by assuming the role of manager for the Barcelona first team in 2008.

 

He secured the La Liga title in three of his four seasons at Camp Nou and twice lifted the UEFA Champions League. After Barcelona, he joined Bayern Munich, leading them to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in each of his three seasons, clinching the Bundesliga three times, and achieving the league and cup double twice.

 

Guardiola joined City in 2016. In his second season, he guided the Blues to the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup, earning four consecutive Manager of the Month accolades and being voted Premier League Manager of the Season and LMA Manager of the Year.

 

He was once again voted Premier League Manager of the Year after steering City to four more trophies in 2018/19, becoming the Club’s most successful manager ever with six trophies in three seasons.

 

City added the Carabao Cup and Community Shield to Pep’s accolades in 2019/20, and the Catalan led the Club to further triumphs in 2020/21, with another Premier League title and Carabao Cup victory. He also became the first City manager to guide his team to a Champions League final in May 2021.

 

Guardiola’s extraordinary tenure at the Etihad then saw him lead City to a fourth Premier League title in five years in 2021/22 and a fifth in 2022/23.

 

Crowning another history-defining season under Pep’s stewardship, a fifth league victory and City’s FA Cup final triumph were followed by a win in the Champions League final, securing the Club an historic 2023 Treble.

 

On the final day of the 2023/24 season, City further etched their name in history by becoming the first club to win the Premier League in four consecutive seasons, clinching the title on the final day.

 

Pep’s leadership has not only elevated City’s success but serves as a paragon of performance excellence and continuous improvement, inspiring leaders beyond the realm of football.

 

In addition, the University wished to recognize his contributions to Manchester’s cultural and community life, and his unwavering commitment to social responsibility and justice through his family foundation — the Guardiola Sala Foundation.