Guardiola Honoured for Sporting and Social Impact
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola used his acceptance speech for an honorary degree from the University of Manchester to deliver a powerful message on human suffering, with a focus on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The emotional address took place at the university’s Whitworth Hall on Monday, where Chancellor Nazir Afzal presented him with an honorary doctorate.
The award recognised not only Guardiola’s immense success on the football pitch but also his off-field contributions to Manchester and wider humanitarian causes.
Guardiola has managed Manchester City since 2016, leading them to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a historic Treble in the 2022/23 season.
But on this occasion, Guardiola’s words moved far beyond sport.
“It Hurts All My Body”: A Plea for Humanity
“It’s so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts me, all my body,”
Guardiola told the audience, many of whom appeared visibly affected by the raw emotion in his voice.
Guardiola emphasized that his message was not rooted in politics or ideology. Instead, he focused on the importance of valuing human life and showing care for others.
He referenced the deaths of children in Gaza and deteriorating hospital conditions, warning against moral disengagement:
“Maybe we see boys and girls, four years old, being killed, and say, ‘It’s not our business.’ Fine. But be careful. The next ones could be ours.”
Speaking as a father of three, Guardiola admitted he wakes each day fearful:
“Every morning since the nightmare started, when I see those images, I see my own kids. And I am scared.”
A Story of Hope: “Doing My Part”
In an effort to combat helplessness, Guardiola shared a parable of a bird trying to extinguish a forest fire by carrying drops of water from the sea. When mocked for its futile effort, the bird replied: “I’m doing my part.”
Guardiola used the story to encourage individual action:
“This is not about scale. It’s about choice. About showing up.”
He stressed the importance of speaking out and taking action during critical moments.
He also acknowledged global suffering beyond Gaza, including in Sudan, Congo, and Ukraine.
A Deep Bond with Manchester
Guardiola expressed deep appreciation for Manchester, the city he now calls home. He said it has become part of who he is, even embracing its rainy days.
University President Duncan Ivison acknowledged Guardiola’s wide-reaching influence. He noted that Guardiola has inspired millions through both his success and his strong personal values.
Beyond Football
The honorary degree also acknowledged Guardiola’s work through the Guardiola Sala Foundation, which supports education and social justice projects. His legacy in Manchester now extends well beyond trophies—into civic life, cultural impact, and moral leadership.
As Guardiola concluded,
“The power of one is not about size. It’s about the choice to act.”
Watch videos here:
@mos__iyi Dr Pep Guardiola 🐐 #PepGuardiola #Gaza #SpeakUp #Justice #FootballWithConscience #respect #manchestercityfans #gaza #football #palestine #goat🐐 #greatestofalltime
@ajplus Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave a powerful speech in support of Gaza, calling on the world to step up and speak out against Israel’s genocide. #Gaza #Israel #ManchesterUni #Manchester #PepGuardiola #ManCity #ManchesterCity #PremierLeague #Genocide
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