Honorary degrees are the highest awards the University can offer. The University recognises remarkable individuals that have made outstanding contributions to society that embody its values, improve the lives of people in local communities or have created significant impact in their field of work and often far beyond.
Widely regarded as one of the successful and innovative managers in the history of the game, Pep followed a trophy laden playing career by being appointed as manager of the Barcelona first team in 2008. He won the La Liga title in three of his four seasons at the Camp Nou and lifted the UEFA Champions League twice.
After Barcelona, he joined Bayern Munich whom he led to the last four of the UEFA Champions League in each of his three seasons, landing the Bundesliga three times and winning the league and cup double twice.
Guardiola joined City in 2016. In his second season he guided the Cityzens to the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup. He picked up four successive Manager of the Month awards and was voted the Premier League Manager of the Season and the LMA Manager of the Year.
He was again voted Premier League Manager of the Season after guiding City to four more trophies in 2018/19 to become the Club’s most successful boss ever with six trophies in three seasons.
City added the Carabao Cup and Community Shield to Pep’s list in 2019/20, but the Catalan won yet more silverware in 2020/21, with another Premier League title and Carabao Cup success. He also became the first City boss to take his side to a Champions League final in May 2021, taking his trophy haul to 10. Guardiola’s incredible spell at the Etihad saw him claim a fourth Premier League title in five years in 2021/22 and a fifth in 2022/23.
And to top off another history-defining season under Pep’s tenure, a fifth league win and City’s FA Cup final win followed by victory in the Champions League final saw the club named Treble winners in 2022/2023.
On the final day of the 2023/24 season, City became the first club to win the Premier League in four successive seasons, confirming the title on the final day.
Pep’s leadership has not only elevated the club’s success but is a model for performance excellence and continuous improvement that has inspired leaders outside of football. Alongside this, the University wanted to recognise his contributions to Manchester’s cultural and community life, and unwavering commitment to social responsibility and justice, through his family foundation – the Guardiola Sala Foundation.
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