One of the greatest managerial tenures in football history is ending — but it will never be forgotten. Manchester City have confirmed two historic tributes to departing manager Pep Guardiola: the newly expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be officially renamed The Pep Guardiola Stand, and a statue of the legendary Catalan will be commissioned and placed on the approach to the stand for generations of City fans to admire.
The Announcement
Manchester City confirmed that the newly developed and expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand.’ The honour has been bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour in recognition of the incredible contribution Pep has made during his ten historic years as manager of the club. As part of the renaming, a statue of Pep will also be commissioned, and will feature on the approach to The Pep Guardiola Stand.
The timing couldn’t be more poignant. The stand will be fully open for the first time for Guardiola’s final game in charge — the concluding match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Words of the Club
The tributes from City’s hierarchy have been nothing short of glowing. Sheikh Mansour said: “I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years Pep has been the personification of that ambition. He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the club — one that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted.”
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was equally emphatic. “The Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep’s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football. The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success.”
CEO Ferran Soriano added: “Sunday will be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his achievements. Sheikh Mansour’s permanent marking of Pep’s incredible legacy will give City fans the opportunity to acknowledge Pep’s legend every single time they visit our stadium.”
A Stand Worthy of a Giant
The expanded North Stand, under development since late 2023, adds more than 7,000 seats to the Etihad Stadium and takes the venue’s total capacity beyond 61,000. The redevelopment also includes a new entertainment district featuring Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, museum space, restaurants, bars, and retail outlets.
The addition of more than 7,000 seats makes the Etihad one of the 10 largest stadiums in the UK.
Joining the Etihad’s Legends
Man City currently have four separate statues placed around the Etihad, including individual statues of club legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Agüero — all of whom celebrated success under Guardiola — as well as a historic triumvirate sculpture of Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee, honouring the iconic 1960s and 1970s trio. Guardiola’s statue will join that exclusive company — the first manager to be immortalised in bronze at the Etihad.
A Decade That Redefined English Football
The tributes are fully deserved. Guardiola leaves after a decade marked by 20 trophies and unprecedented success for the club, including six Premier League titles — making City the only team in English top-flight history to win four league titles in a row — as well as the club’s first Champions League trophy.
Guardiola will continue with the City Football Group as a Global Ambassador — ensuring the man remains connected to the club even as the era draws to a close.
A stand. A statue. A legacy set in stone. Pep Guardiola doesn’t just leave Manchester City — he becomes a permanent part of it.