Pep Guardiola has coached some of the greatest players in football history during his illustrious managerial career. Having achieved immense success with Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, Guardiola became the first coach to win the continental treble twice, breaking City’s UEFA Champions League drought in 2023.
Throughout his career, Guardiola has worked with world-class talents such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Andres Iniesta, and Robert Lewandowski. His exceptional ability to elevate players to superstardom has solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after tacticians in the sport.
However, of all the legendary players Guardiola has coached, only one appears among the six he considers the greatest in football history. In 2022, he revealed his list of eternal football icons, highlighting their enduring impact on the sport:
“These players have done extraordinary things over many years. They’ve elevated our profession and brought joy to people.”
Lionel Messi
It’s no surprise Messi tops Guardiola’s list. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. Under Guardiola’s guidance at Barcelona, Messi scored 211 goals and provided 94 assists in 219 games, leading the team to a treble in 2009. He reached the pinnacle of his career by captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Though Ronaldo never played under Guardiola, the Portuguese forward’s rivalry with Messi and his prolific scoring in El Clasico matches against Barcelona left a lasting impression. As football’s all-time top scorer and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s dominance has been widely admired. Guardiola once remarked:
“Cristiano Ronaldo was a monster, and the father of the monster is Messi.”
Pele
Pele’s extraordinary accomplishments with Brazil, including three World Cup wins and 77 international goals, earned him a place in Guardiola’s list. Beyond his on-field success, Pele also played a significant role in breaking racial barriers in football. Reflecting on Pele’s legacy, Guardiola stated:
“Like a good movie or book, we still talk about him because he was so great.”
Diego Maradona
Another Argentine legend, Maradona’s brilliance on the ball and his pivotal role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph made him a footballing icon. Known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability, Maradona’s legacy endures not only for his skill but also for his charismatic persona.
Johan Cruyff
As a pioneer of the ‘Total Football’ philosophy, Cruyff transformed the game with his creativity and technical mastery. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner excelled both as a player and a manager, inspiring generations of footballers. Guardiola, heavily influenced by Cruyff, once said:
“I knew nothing about football before knowing Cruyff.”
Franz Beckenbauer
The only defender on Guardiola’s list, Beckenbauer redefined the role of a center-back with his elegance and tactical intelligence. Nicknamed ‘The Emperor,’ he led Germany to World Cup glory in 1974 and won two Ballon d’Or awards. His leadership and versatility also brought Bayern Munich three European Cup titles.
These six players, each with their unique contributions, exemplify the excellence Guardiola reveres in football.
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