Pep Guardiola's Wife Reportedly Ends Marriage After Final Man City Decision

Pep Guardiola's decision to extend his contract with Manchester City is reportedly behind his split from wife Cristina Serra. Spanish journalists Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa, known as the Mamarazzis, have linked Guardiola's two-year contract extension in November to the breakdown of their 30-year relationship.

The reporters explained in a recent podcast that Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, had surprised those close to the couple by not returning to Manchester after the summer holidays in September, as was expected. In 2019, she had moved back to Barcelona to focus on her business interests.

According to sources cited by Catalan newspaper Sport, friends of the couple had sensed tension in their relationship. They suggested that Cristina blamed Guardiola for prioritizing his career over their personal life. Despite spending time together in Barcelona over Christmas, it was Guardiola’s decision to renew his contract until 2027 that reportedly led to the separation. Reports indicate the family had already planned to leave England for the United Arab Emirates, with Guardiola’s contract extension being the final factor in their breakup.

Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa have suggested that despite the split, some of the couple’s friends remain hopeful that Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra may reconcile in the future. They speculated that if Guardiola eventually leaves football and returns to Barcelona, the couple could potentially rekindle their relationship.

Vazquez, who was first to report the split, clarified that there was no “third person” involved in the separation. She emphasized that the decision had been a thoughtful one, discussed over several months, and that Guardiola and Serra continue to maintain a cordial and affectionate relationship. She reiterated, “No one else is involved. There are no third parties. We will continue to see them together.”

A close friend of the couple also shared that the marriage ended because of Pep's intense focus on his work, describing him as a “total workaholic.”

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Guardiola’s eldest daughter, Maria, also spoke publicly for the first time since the news of the split, offering insight into her parents’ relationship. She shared, “My parents have always encouraged me to find what I am passionate about. They tell me to try new things, accept failure, and keep searching for my calling. Once I find it, dedication will come naturally.” Maria also emphasized the importance of love, stating, “The most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”

The 24-year-old, who works in London, added in an interview with Vanity Fair Spain: “It all comes down to feeling loved. Even when we feel out of place, they remind me to listen carefully to others, as there’s always something valuable to learn from every person we meet.”

Guardiola, who will have been at Manchester City for 11 years when his contract expires, is currently the longest-serving manager in the Premier League and the second-longest in all four divisions. Reflecting on his contract extension, he said, “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here, and we’ve shared so many incredible moments. I have a special bond with this football club, which is why I’m thrilled to stay for another two seasons.”