The bombshell the footballing world has been dreading—or secretly hoping for—has finally dropped. In a monumental piece of news that has completely shaken the sport, Pep Guardiola has reportedly informed Manchester City that he will step down as manager at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Despite having a contract that runs until June 2027, the 55-year-old Catalan mastermind will bring the curtain down on a legendary, trophy-laden 10-year reign at the Etihad Stadium following Sunday's final Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
1. The Decadal Dynasty: Pep’s Legacy by the Numbers
Guardiola arrived in Manchester in July 2016 from Bayern Munich. Over the subsequent decade, he didn't just break records; he completely altered the tactical DNA of the English game.
2. Why Now? Leaving at the absolute Zenith
While the news has caught many off guard, those close to the club suggest the timing represents a clean break at the absolute pinnacle of his powers.
The Domestic Double Secured: Guardiola effectively secured his 19th and 20th trophies with the club over the last few months, lifting the League Cup in March before dispatching Chelsea 1–0 in a tense FA Cup Final last Saturday.
The Final Treble Hunt: Far from a quiet exit, Pep could still leave with a domestic Treble. City travel to face Bournemouth on Tuesday night needing a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal. If results swing City's way on the final day against Aston Villa, he could walk away with a 7th league crown.
Mission Complete: Having initially signed an extension in November 2024 because he didn't want to leave the club during a temporary rough patch, Guardiola reportedly feels he has fulfilled his promise to leave the squad rejuvenated and structurally sound.
3. The Successor: Enzo Maresca Poised for Etihad Return
The rumor mill has wasted no time identifying his replacement. Widespread reports indicate that former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the definitive frontrunner to takethe reins this summer.
Maresca, who left Chelsea in January due to highly publicized friction with the BlueCo hierarchy despite winning the FIFA Club World Cup, is deeply respected within the City Football Group. Having previously served as Guardiola’s direct assistant during the historic 2022/23 Treble-winning season, Maresca represents tactical continuity for a post-Pep transition.
4. A Goodbye Fitting for a King
While Manchester City has kept tight-lipped and declined to comment on the breaking reports, the infrastructure for an emotional farewell is already perfectly locked into place.
The club has officially arranged a massive open-top bus parade through the streets of Manchester for Monday, May 25, 2026. Originally scheduled to celebrate the club's domestic cup double and the WSL title won by Manchester City Women, the parade will now undeniably transform into the ultimate, emotional farewell to the greatest manager the club has ever seen.