Guardiola to leave Manchester City after 10-year, 17-trophy reign

Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season after a 10-year tenure that yielded 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League title in 2023, the club confirmed Thursday.

Guardiola's exit closes one of the most dominant eras in English football history, drawing global attention at a moment when soccer fever runs high ahead of the 2026 World Cup — a tournament whose North American host cities include venues just hours from Orange County.

Guardiola joined City in the summer of 2016 and built the club into a sustained European superpower. Over a decade he guided the team to six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League — completing a historic treble that season — while accumulating 17 major trophies in Manchester alone, according to The Korea Times. Across his entire managerial career, which includes decorated stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, his total stands at 35 major titles.

"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time," Guardiola said in confirming his departure. He added: "Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."

Guardiola will take charge of his final match — a Premier League fixture at Aston Villa on Sunday — before transitioning to a global ambassador role with the club. He had one year remaining on his contract but chose to depart ahead of schedule.

Enzo Maresca, who served as Guardiola's assistant at City before managing Chelsea, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed him, The Korea Times reported. Maresca's familiarity with City's playing philosophy is seen as a key factor in his candidacy.

This season Guardiola delivered a domestic double, steering City to both the English League Cup and the FA Cup before Sunday's league finale, offering fans a final glimpse of his signature high-pressing style.

City's search for a permanent successor begins in earnest after Sunday's final-day fixture, where Guardiola will make his last appearance in the dugout — ending a decade that redefined expectations for English football.