The end of an era has officially arrived at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola prepares to leave the club after a historic decade at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola transformed Manchester City from a domestic powerhouse into one of the greatest football dynasties the sport has ever seen, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
Here is a season-by-season rewind of Guardiola’s unforgettable journey in Manchester.
2016-17: The Beginning of a Revolution
Guardiola arrived in England with enormous expectations after legendary spells at FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich. His first season, however, proved challenging.
City started brilliantly, winning their opening games with exciting attacking football, but defensive issues and adaptation struggles soon appeared. They finished third in the Premier League and ended the season without a trophy — the only trophyless campaign of Guardiola’s City tenure.
Still, the foundations for something special had already been laid.
2017-18: The Centurions
This was the season where Guardiola’s ideas fully exploded into life.
Manchester City dominated English football, winning the Premier League with a record-breaking 100 points and breathtaking attacking football. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Agüero and Raheem Sterling flourished in Guardiola’s tactical system.
City also lifted the EFL Cup, while countless Premier League records fell throughout the campaign. Guardiola had officially built one of the greatest teams in English football history.
2018-19: Domestic Treble Glory
If 2017-18 was historic, 2018-19 was even more remarkable.
Manchester City became the first English men’s team ever to win the domestic treble, the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup in a single season. Guardiola’s side edged out Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool FC in one of the greatest Premier League title races ever.
The campaign cemented Guardiola’s City as the dominant force in England.
2019-20: European Frustration
The COVID-19 disrupted season was more difficult for City.
Liverpool comfortably won the league, while City finished second. Guardiola still secured another EFL Cup triumph, but the biggest disappointment came in Europe as City suffered another painful UEFA Champions League exit, this time against Lyon.
Questions began to grow over whether Guardiola could finally deliver European glory to Manchester.
2020-21: Back on Top
Guardiola responded in style.
Manchester City reclaimed the Premier League title with a dominant second half of the season and also won a fourth consecutive EFL Cup. Ruben Dias transformed the defense, while Guardiola’s tactical flexibility reached another level.
Most importantly, City reached their first-ever Champions League final, although they lost narrowly to Chelsea FC.
2021-22: Drama Until the End
This season delivered one of the most dramatic title races in Premier League history.
On the final day, City came from 2-0 down against Aston Villa FC to win 3-2 and secure another league title in unforgettable fashion, breaking the hearts of Liverpool players and fans once again.
However, heartbreak struck again in Europe after a stunning late collapse against Real Madrid CF in the Champions League semi-finals.
2022-23: The Treble Season
This was Guardiola’s masterpiece.
Powered by Erling Haaland’s incredible debut campaign, Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League to complete a historic continental treble.
City finally conquered Europe by defeating Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Guardiola also became the first manager to win the European treble with two different clubs.
For many fans, this remains the peak of Guardiola’s Manchester City reign.
2023-24: Historic Four-Peat
Manchester City made history by becoming the first club ever to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
Although they fell short in other competitions, Guardiola’s side continued to redefine consistency in English football. Phil Foden emerged as one of the league’s biggest stars during another memorable campaign.
2024-25 and 2025-26: The Final Chapter
The final years of Guardiola’s reign brought signs of transition. City experienced an unusual trophyless season before bouncing back with domestic success in his final campaign with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumph. Reports confirm Guardiola will step down after the 2025-26 season, ending a decade that delivered 20 major trophies and completely changed the club’s history.
Guardiola’s Manchester City Legacy
Guardiola leaves Manchester City as arguably one of the greatest managers in Premier League history. His football philosophy revolutionized English football, while his relentless pursuit of perfection turned City into a global superpower.
From the “Centurions” to the treble winners, Guardiola’s Manchester City era will forever be remembered as one of football’s most iconic dynasties.
