Guardiola's first Man City players now run vineyards and race cars

Former Manchester City players from Pep Guardiola's first teams have moved into very different jobs. Some are now running vineyards or racing cars, showing how much their lives have changed.
By Newsroom | Football, Manchester |

Club alumni from Guardiola's early tenure at Manchester City have pursued diverse paths, a stark contrast to their unified purpose under the manager's command.

Whereabouts of key players from Pep Guardiola's initial Manchester City squads reveal a fragmented landscape of post-football careers. Some have embraced entirely new ventures, including running vineyards and embarking on motorsport careers, while others have maintained a connection to the sport, with a few even returning to the club in different capacities.==

Players who featured prominently during Guardiola's formative seasons—marked by his first trophy, the 2017–18 EFL Cup, and the subsequent Premier League title with a record 100 points—are now geographically and professionally dispersed. This transition underscores the transient nature of professional sports careers and the varied interests of individuals once bound by club affiliation.

Post-Playing Endeavors

Several former City stalwarts have stepped away from the pitch to explore less conventional fields. One notable figure is reported to be managing a vineyard, a significant departure from the high-octane environment of top-tier football. Another has launched a career in professional racing, trading cleats for a cockpit. These narratives highlight a willingness among ex-players to redefine their professional identities outside the immediate realm of football.

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Lingering Football Ties

Conversely, a segment of these former players has opted to remain within the football ecosystem. This includes taking on new roles, with some making their way back to Manchester City itself, suggesting a continued commitment to the club's ethos or an eagerness to contribute in different capacities. The specific nature of these returns, whether in coaching, ambassadorial, or administrative functions, remains varied.

Background: Guardiola's City Arrival

Pep Guardiola assumed the managerial reins at Manchester City in the summer of 2016. His initial campaigns were characterized by a significant squad overhaul and the implementation of his distinctive tactical philosophy. The 2017–18 season proved particularly fruitful, yielding the EFL Cup and the Premier League title, a period that defined the early success of his tenure and solidified the club's elite status. The acquisition of players like Bernardo Silva and Danilo, among others, formed the bedrock of these early triumphs.

Read More: Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City in May 2026 after 10 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Pep Guardiola's first Manchester City players doing now?
Many players from Pep Guardiola's first teams at Manchester City have taken very different paths after football. Some are now running vineyards or have started careers in car racing. Others have stayed in football, with a few returning to work for Manchester City in new roles.
Q: Which players are involved in these new careers?
The article mentions players from Guardiola's early seasons, like those who won the 2017-18 EFL Cup and the Premier League with 100 points. Examples include players like Bernardo Silva and Danilo.
Q: Why did these players leave football for new jobs?
The article suggests that professional sports careers are short and that players have varied interests outside of football. This shows they want to try new things after their playing days are over.
Q: Have any players returned to Manchester City?
Yes, some former players have returned to Manchester City. They are working in different roles, possibly in coaching, as ambassadors, or in administrative jobs, showing they still want to be part of the club.