Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol is poised to build on an impressive debut season in the Premier League as he gears up for the new campaign.
Josko Gvardiol: From Premier League Star to Fashion Icon
Manchester City’s commercial team has enjoyed an unexpectedly fruitful summer. With Norway’s absence from the European Championship, Erling Haaland was set to be the standout figure on the pre-season US tour. However, Jack Grealish’s surprising omission from the England squad provided the Blues with two of their most marketable stars. Kevin De Bruyne remains a household name, and Phil Foden is quickly rising in prominence, but the ultimate goal for City and any club is to secure a player with the star power of Haaland or Grealish.
In the hunt for the next big name, Josko Gvardiol steps into the spotlight this season. Arriving at the Etihad last year with a hefty £77.5m price tag, Gvardiol brought experience from two major tournaments, including standout performances for Croatia in Qatar.
Initially, Gvardiol took time to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system, especially as he was played at left-back rather than his natural center-back position. But once he found his rhythm, he became unstoppable. With five goals and an assist in seven games, he played a crucial role in City’s end-of-season run, positioning himself as a potential star for the upcoming season.
At just 22, Gvardiol is also making waves off the pitch. He’s the face of the autumn collection for Canadian luxury clothing brand Mackage, under the tagline “Protect your Craft.” Gvardiol, seen as a perfect fit for “precision, innovation, and functionality,” balances his football aspirations with his passion for fashion, family, friends, and his dogs.
“When I am not playing football, I love to spend time with my family and friends, watch movies, and explore new trends in fashion,” Gvardiol shared with the Manchester Evening News. “I have always had an interest in fashion. I love expressing my personality beyond the field and experimenting with new trends and styles. Working with Mackage has been eye-opening and has deepened my appreciation for fashion.”
Adjusting to life in the UK has been a journey for Gvardiol, but he appreciates the new culture. “Moving to the UK was an adjustment, but I enjoy learning about a new culture. While I miss my loved ones back home, my teammates, especially Mateo Kovacic, have helped me settle in.”
Gvardiol’s honesty in post-match interviews sometimes reveals more than Pep Guardiola might prefer, yet it highlights his personality and authenticity. This candidness, paired with his dedication on the pitch, has paid off handsomely.
Reflecting on his contributions, Gvardiol said, “I’m glad I could make a positive impact in the final months of the season, helping the team when it mattered most. My favourite goal was my first one for City, against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Champions League. Scoring that goal was a special moment for me, marking the beginning of my journey with such a prestigious club.”
As he reunites with the City squad in New York to prepare for new challenges, Gvardiol’s goals are clear: “This season, I’d love to help the team win the Champions League and win the Premier League again to make Manchester City five-time champions.”
Achieving these ambitious targets would undoubtedly elevate Gvardiol’s status globally, much to the delight of City’s commercial team.
