Pep Guardiola's final match as Manchester City manager ended in an emotional farewell on May 25, 2026, as his team lost 2-1 to Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. The defeat confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions, ending City's streak of four consecutive titles.
Guardiola, who joined City in 2016, had won 18 trophies including six Premier League titles. In the scorching heat, he remained composed until the final whistle, then broke down in tears as captain Bernardo Silva was substituted in the 85th minute. Silva, a key figure under Guardiola, embraced his manager on the sideline.
After the match, Guardiola told BBC Sport: 'It's the end of a beautiful journey. I gave everything, and the players gave everything. Today, we say goodbye with respect.' City fans chanted his name for several minutes after the game.
Guardiola's decade at City saw unprecedented success, but also financial fair play investigations. His departure marks the end of an era in English football.
