NBA legend Michael Jordan leads tributes to Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola received honors from a number of figures, including NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - NBA legend Michael Jordan was the main star who paid tribute to Pep Guardiola's achievements at Manchester City in the manager's farewell party on Monday, May 25, 2026, local time.

Guardiola confirmed last week that he will step down as Manchester City manager after a decade of trophy-laden leadership of the club.

The Citizens lost 1-2 to Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in his final match of the season last weekend.

Jordan's surprise video message came on the night that former Manchester City captain and current Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany was also in the Co-Op Live arena, as was Jack Grealish who spent this season on loan at Everton.

Around 19,000 supporters attended the celebrations which followed Manchester City's open-top bus parade celebrating the club's double triumph in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

"I just want to say congratulations on a great career. Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the golf course and keep playing well. Congratulations," the Chicago Bulls legend said in a video that was played on a giant screen inside the venue.

English golfer Tommy Fleetwood also paid tribute to Guardiola.

"You deserve whatever you're going to do next. It's an honor to call you a friend and congratulations. You're amazing," Fleetwood said.

Neil Warnock, who may have surprisingly developed a close relationship with Guardiola in recent years, also commented.

"I can't believe you're leaving. I've seen so many managers go, but you're the best. The best manager I've ever seen," said Warnock.

Former captain Fernandinho, former Manchester City sporting director and Guardiola's old friend Txiki Begiristain, and goalkeeper Ederson - who is now at Fenerbahce - helped win all 20 trophies won under Guardiola during his time in England, also paid tribute.

Guardiola delivered his closing words as Manchester City coach in a conversation with Noel Gallagher of Oasis.

"First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say goodbye. I feel tonight really shows the bond that this club has."

"Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the fans of Manchester City who are connected from the first minute. Thank you very much, I don't have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will keep you in my heart," said Guardiola.

The night was also a celebration of the careers of John Stones and Bernardo Silva, who will also leave the Citizens this summer after their respective contracts expire.