Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates his 55th birthday today, January 18, 2026, with his side navigating a challenging but still competitive season across multiple fronts.
Born on January 18, 1971, in Santpedor, Spain, Guardiola remains one of football’s most influential tacticians. His birthday comes just a day after City’s 2–0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 17, a result Guardiola addressed honestly by admitting that United were the better team on the night.

Pep Guardiola 2025/26 Season Stats (Before His 55th Birthday)
| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 33 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 71 | 2.15 |
| Premier League | 22 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 43 | 1.95 |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 2.17 |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 4 | – | – | 12 | 3.00 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | – | – | 3 | 3.00 |
Despite that setback, City’s overall numbers this season underline their continued strength. Guardiola’s men have collected 71 points from 33 matches in all competitions, boasting an impressive points-per-match ratio of 2.15. Their cup form has been particularly strong, with perfect records so far in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Softfootball understands that speculation around Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has resurfaced in recent weeks. However, the City boss has once again played down exit rumours, responding with a mix of amusement and frustration when questioned, making it clear that his focus remains firmly on the job at hand.
As Guardiola marks another year, the spotlight remains on how he guides City through the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, balancing domestic ambitions with European aspirations while continuing to define modern football management.
