Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for human beings who are suffering, citing the increasing visibility of global humanitarian crises. Guardiola, known for his outspoken stance on various social and political issues, addressed reporters at a press conference, explaining his motivations for speaking out.
Guardiola missed media duties before a recent game against Tottenham to deliver a speech in support of Palestinian children at a charity event in Barcelona. This absence and his prior advocacy have sparked discussions about his broader engagement with humanitarian concerns.
"Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the info in front of our eyes, watching more clearly than now – genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened in Russia, what happened all around the world, in Sudan, everywhere," Guardiola stated. He emphasized the accessibility of information regarding global suffering and its impact on him personally. "What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It's our problems as human beings," he added.
Guardiola questioned how anyone could remain unaffected by the images and information circulating globally. "There is somebody who sees the images from all around the world who is not affected?" he asked. He highlighted the contrast between current awareness and the limitations of the past, stating, "Today we can see it. Before we could not see it. Today we see. It hurts me".
In late January 2026, Guardiola voiced strong support for Palestinian children in Gaza at the 'Act X Palestine' benefit concert in Barcelona. Draped in a traditional keffiyeh, Guardiola greeted the crowd with "Assalamualaikum," meaning "peace be upon you," and spoke about children who had lost parents in the conflict. He criticized the silence of global leaders and called for an end to "decades of oppression". Guardiola lamented the abandonment of those suffering, stating, "I think we have left them alone, abandoned. I always think they must say, 'Where are you? Come help us.' And until now, even now, we have not done so". He also condemned world powers, labeling leaders as "cowards" who endanger innocent civilians while remaining safe themselves.
Guardiola's advocacy extends beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In October 2025, he urged people to pressure governments for immediate action in Gaza. He also voiced support for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Barcelona. After receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester in June 2025, he expressed his pain regarding the situation in Gaza.
However, Guardiola's outspokenness has also drawn scrutiny, with some critics pointing to potential inconsistencies between his public stances and his professional affiliations. Questions have been raised regarding the human rights records of countries and entities associated with his club, Manchester City. Despite these criticisms, Guardiola remains a prominent voice on humanitarian issues, leveraging his platform to raise awareness and call for action.