Last year, Pep Guardiola was offered the prestigious title of Freeman of Manchester, a rare honor reflecting his significant contributions to the city.
Following Manchester City’s incredible treble victory in 2023, where they claimed the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles, discussions have been ongoing about officially bestowing this honor upon the Spanish manager. This achievement made City only the second English team to secure such a treble, the first being Manchester United in 1999 under Sir Alex Ferguson, who was subsequently awarded the city’s highest accolade.
Though the council quickly moved to extend the same honor to Guardiola after his historic success, there has been little public information about whether he will accept the award or when a ceremony might occur. Council officials “remain in discussion with the club about when he will formally receive it.” It appears there is no rush for Guardiola to accept the award.
The title of Freeman of Manchester is exceptionally exclusive, with only 79 individuals receiving it since 1888. Post-Sir Alex Ferguson, only six others have been honored, including cultural icon Tony Wilson posthumously in 2007, football legend Sir Bobby Charlton in 2008, Team GB cyclists in 2008, and field hospital volunteers in 2011. More recently, in 2013, Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov were recognized for their work on isolating graphene at the University, and in 2017, pop star Ariana Grande became the city’s first honorary citizen for her compassionate response to the Arena bombing.
Other illustrious recipients of the Freeman title include football manager Sir Matt Busby, renowned astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell, and former Prime Ministers Clement Atlee and Winston Churchill. Guardiola’s potential acceptance would place him among these distinguished figures, further cementing his legacy in Manchester’s storied history.
