Frank Christian
While it’s oft-claimed that exceptional players seldom make outstanding managers, Pep Guardiola stands as a notable counterexample.
During his playing career, Guardiola was a pivotal member of the Barcelona team that clinched the club’s inaugural European Cup in the 1991/92 season. Additionally, he contributed to six league titles, four of which were consecutive between 1990/91 and 1993/94. After 17 years at Barcelona, where he also captained the team, he had brief spells at clubs like Brescia and Roma, but his legacy is firmly tied to his time at Barcelona.
Upon retiring, Guardiola managed Barcelona B for a year before stepping up to replace Frank Rijkaard as head coach of the first team. His arrival marked a transformation, as he reinvigorated the club’s philosophy, emphasizing a midfield dominated by Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta, with Lionel Messi supporting them.
Guardiola was relentless in implementing his philosophy of positional play, leading his teams to consistent victories and playing exciting football. After four years, he took a year off before joining Bayern Munich, where he enhanced his strategies and ensured their continued supremacy in German football.
Guardiola’s journey continued at Manchester City, where he achieved notable success, including winning the UEFA Champions League after a prolonged wait. Having signed a new contract with the club, more accolades may be on the way.
Trophies Won by Pep Guardiola
Throughout his coaching career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Guardiola has celebrated 12 league titles.
He has also secured 16 domestic cups, which is significant as his tenure in England has involved competing in two domestic cup tournaments each year, compared to one in Germany and Spain.
- League Titles: 12 (3 at Barcelona, 3 at Bayern, 6 at Man City)
- Domestic Cups: 16 (5 in Spain, 2 in Germany, 8 in England)
- Copa del Rey (Spain): 2
- Supercopa de Espana (Spain): 3
- DFB-Pokal (Germany): 2
- FA Cup (England): 2
- League Cup (England): 4
- Community Shield (England): 3
On the international stage, Guardiola has claimed the Champions League title twice with Barcelona and once with Manchester City. He is a four-time winner of the FIFA Club World Cup (twice with Barcelona and once with Bayern Munich and City) and has an equal number of UEFA Super Cups.
- Champions League: 3
- UEFA Super Cups: 4
- FIFA Club World Cup: 4
Additionally, he clinched the Tercera Division while managing Barcelona B and holds records for the most consecutive wins in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga.
Trophies Won by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
After assuming command in 2016, Guardiola dedicated time to adjusting to the Premier League’s challenges while reshaping the City squad. Soon, he found his rhythm, achieving six Premier League titles over seven seasons, with the latest in 2023/24 marking an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in English history.
During the 2017/18 season, he secured a double, winning both the Premier League and the League Cup, a feat mirrored in the 2020/21 season. The team also won another League Cup in 2019/20.
The 2018/19 season was notable, as the team achieved a domestic treble including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. In a historic 2022/23 season, they claimed the ultimate treble: the UEFA Champions League (after defeating Inter Milan) alongside the Premier League and FA Cup.
Trophies Won by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City by Season
- 2016/17: —
- 2017/18: Premier League, League Cup
- 2018/19: Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield
- 2019/20: League Cup, Community Shield
- 2020/21: Premier League, League Cup
- 2021/22: Premier League
- 2022/23: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
- 2023/24: UEFA Super Cup, Premier League
- 2024/25: Community Shield
Trophies Won by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich
When Guardiola joined Bayern Munich, expectations were immense, and he lived up to them.
By evolving the tactics he had established at Barcelona, Guardiola led the team to three consecutive Bundesliga titles from 2013/14 to 2015/16. He also won the DFB-Pokal twice during his tenure.
Before Guardiola’s arrival, the team had already secured qualification for the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, both of which they achieved under his guidance. However, many were disappointed he did not capture the Champions League for Bayern. Similar to his time at City, he faced criticism for his tactical decisions in crucial European matches.
Trophies Won by Pep Guardiola at Barcelona
Guardiola’s initial senior managerial role was nothing short of spectacular.
During his first season in 2008/09, he piloted the team to a remarkable treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
In the following two seasons, he successfully defended the league title and captured a second Champions League in 2010/11, along with another Copa del Rey in 2011/12.
Additionally, his teams won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup twice after both Champions League victories.
They also captured the Supercopa de Espana in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Guardiola’s Barcelona was viewed as revolutionary, characterized by an intense strategy that dominated their opponents.
