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Manchester City have confirmed that the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’.
The club will also commission a statue for the outgoing manager after his historic time in Manchester.
Guardiola honored with tribute at Etihad stadium
The announcement comes as a tribute to the Catalan’s decade of dominance in English football, during which he transformed the club into a global power and secured a trophy that has redefined the Premier League era.
The stand will officially open for the first time during Guardiola’s final match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The renovation project, which began in late 2023, added more than 7,000 seats and increased the stadium’s capacity to more than 61,000. The city also confirmed plans to commission a statue of Guardiola outside the newly named stand.
The Catalan will join club legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Agüero to be permanently recognized on the Etihad campus.
Guardiola and the City hierarchy pay tribute
During his press conference, Guardiola admitted he was moved by the club’s gesture as he prepares to leave Manchester after a highly successful decade at the helm.
“Khaldoon [Al Mubarak] “They called me this morning to tell me that the club made that decision,” Guardiola said. “I have no words. I like the feeling that my vibe or my energy will be there forever. So I like that feeling.”
Club owner Sheikh Mansour also praised Guardiola’s influence on and off the pitch, insisting his legacy extends beyond the trophies won during his tenure.
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the best at their disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years, Pep has been the embodiment of that ambition,” Mansur explained on the club’s official website.
“He has left an indelible mark on the Club’s DNA. One that comes more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted. He has the infinite gratitude of me and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be a part.”
Pep’s legacy secured at Manchester City
The decision underlines Guardiola’s impact on City and English football during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The renamed stand and statue are designed to ensure his influence remains part of the club’s identity long after his departure.
Al Mubarak described the tribute as a recognition of Guardiola’s lasting contribution to both the club and the city itself.
“The Pep Guardiola stand and the statue that will be placed outside ensure, rightly, that Pep’s legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football,” he said.
“The unique relationship he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success. The Pep Guardiola stand is a fitting and permanent reminder of that relationship, the most successful period in our club’s history and the unique football genius at its heart.”
An emotional farewell awaits Guardiola
Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa will mark Guardiola’s final game in charge and is expected to be an emotional event at the Etihad Stadium.
The unveiling of the renamed stand will allow fans to celebrate the coach’s achievements one last time.
City’s focus will also shift towards a new era following Guardiola’s departure, with the club aiming to build on the foundations created during his decade-long reign.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
