Pep Guardiola names 6 players he considers the greatest of all time
- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named the six players he considers the greatest in football history
- His list includes legendary figures known for their consistency, influence, and unforgettable impact on the game
- These players, according to the Spanish tactician, will always be remembered as eternal icons of football
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Pep Guardiola has coached some of football’s finest talents throughout a glittering managerial journey that’s taken him from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and now Manchester City.
The Spaniard is the only manager in history to have won the continental treble twice, with his crowning moment at City coming in 2023 when he delivered their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Source: Getty Images
From Lionel Messi to Erling Haaland, and Andres Iniesta to Robert Lewandowski, Guardiola’s squads have been star-studded.
His ability to unlock a player’s full potential is one of the many reasons he’s considered among the greatest coaches of all time.
Yet when asked to name the six greatest players in football history back in 2022, only one of his former players made the cut.
Speaking with clear admiration, Guardiola called his chosen six “eternal” and said:
“They have done many things for many years, these types of players make our business, our job, a better place. What they produced — the feeling for the people.”
Guardiola's greatest players in the history
Lionel Messi
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi sits at the top of Pep Guardiola’s list. The Argentine superstar reached extraordinary heights under Guardiola at FC Barcelona, scoring 211 goals and registering 94 assists in just 219 appearances.
Together, they won numerous trophies, including the 2009 continental treble.
Messi’s impact on the game is unquestionable, highlighted by his 2022 World Cup triumph with Argentina national football team and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Source: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo
Although never coached by Guardiola, Cristiano Ronaldo made a lasting impression—particularly during his time at Real Madrid, where he frequently troubled Guardiola’s Barcelona.
As football’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ronaldo’s rivalry with Messi defined an era. Guardiola once famously said:
“Cristiano Ronaldo was a monster, and the father of the monster is Messi.”
Pelé
The late Brazilian legend Pelé also features on the list, celebrated for winning three World Cups and scoring 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil national football team.
Beyond football, he was a trailblazer for future generations. Following his passing in 2022, Guardiola remarked:
“It’s like a good movie… we’re still talking about him because he was so good.”
Diego Maradona
Another Argentine great, Diego Maradona, earns a place for his brilliance and charisma.
Known for his incredible skill and larger-than-life personality, he guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, leaving an enduring legacy defined by flair and unpredictability.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, the Dutch icon and pioneer of “Total Football,” was both an inspiration and mentor to Guardiola.
A master of intelligence and elegance, Cruyff helped shape modern football philosophy and won three Ballon d’Ors. Guardiola once admitted: “I knew nothing about football before knowing Cruyff.”
Franz Beckenbauer
Completing the list is Franz Beckenbauer, the only defender selected by Guardiola. Known as “Der Kaiser,” he redefined the sweeper role and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever.
He captained West Germany national football team to World Cup and European Championship success and claimed two Ballon d’Or awards for his commanding presence.
Together, these six icons—spanning eras, positions, and styles—reflect Guardiola’s vision of footballing greatness: skill, consistency, and influence that transcends generations.
Guardiola chides CAF for stripping Senegal of AFCON title
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Pep Guardiola has described the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco as a "surprise".
The Manchester City manager shared his thoughts after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the original result on March 17, a ruling that has split opinion across the football world.
Source: YEN.com.gh
