Dare Babalola
Manchester City have announced plans to rename the North Stand of the Etihad Stadium after departing manager Pep Guardiola in recognition of his remarkable achievements during a decade in charge of the Premier League club.
The club disclosed on Friday that the newly expanded section of the stadium will officially be called “The Pep Guardiola Stand” and will be unveiled during Guardiola’s final match as City manager against Aston Villa on Sunday, the closing day of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The announcement follows Guardiola’s confirmation that he would step down at the end of the campaign after overseeing the most successful era in Manchester City’s history.
During his 10-year spell at the club, the Spanish manager guided City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, while transforming the club into one of Europe’s dominant football forces.
Manchester City also revealed plans to erect a statue of Guardiola outside the Etihad Stadium as part of efforts to preserve his legacy at the club.
Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed described the honour as a deserved tribute to Guardiola’s impact on the team and the wider City community.
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field,” Sheikh Mansour said in a statement released by the club.
“For 10 years, Pep has been the personification of that ambition.
“He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”
The North Stand redevelopment forms part of a wider expansion project around the Etihad Stadium along Joe Mercer Way.
The upgraded stand adds more than 7,000 seats, increasing the stadium’s overall capacity to above 61,000.
The development project also includes the construction of a fan entertainment area known as Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, restaurants, bars, office spaces, retail outlets and a new club museum.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said Guardiola’s influence on the club and English football merited permanent recognition.
“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,” Al Mubarak said.
“The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his 10 seasons fighting to bring them success.”
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano also described the unveiling as a fitting occasion for supporters to celebrate Guardiola’s accomplishments.
“It is wholly appropriate that the occasion of Pep’s final game as Manchester City manager will also be the afternoon that the wonderful new Pep Guardiola Stand of the Etihad Stadium will hold 7,000 more City fans for the very first time,” Soriano stated.
“Sunday will be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his achievements.”
