Pep Guardiola’s ultimate XI: a dream team of modern football legends
Few managers have shaped the game quite like Pep Guardiola. Across stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, he's worked with a staggering pool of talent. But when it comes to choosing an ultimate combined XI of players he's managed, only the very best make the cut. Here's the team, from front to back, starting with the firepower up top.
Left wing – Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry only worked with Guardiola for two seasons at Barcelona, but he made a lasting impression. Scoring 30 goals and assisting 15 more, he was key to Pep’s early success, helping the team lift the Champions League and La Liga.
Striker – Sergio Aguero
Aguero was a clinical force at Manchester City and Guardiola knew exactly how to get the best from him. Despite the competition from Lewandowski and Haaland, Aguero’s longevity and consistency under Pep give him the edge.
Right wing – Lionel Messi
The GOAT needs no introduction. Guardiola unlocked Messi's full potential, transforming him into a world-conquering force that won everything at club level. Messi himself called Pep the best coach he ever had.
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Central midfield – Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne has defined the Guardiola era at Manchester City with his vision, precision and consistency. With over 70 goals and 119 assists, he’s been the creative heartbeat of City’s dominance.
Central midfield – Andres Iniesta
Iniesta was the magician of Pep's Barcelona midfield, gliding past players with ease and orchestrating attacks with surgical precision. His style inspired Guardiola, who once credited Iniesta with teaching him a deeper understanding of football.
Central midfield – Xavi
You can't have Iniesta without Xavi. The midfield metronome made Barcelona tick under Guardiola, dictating tempo and keeping possession like few others in history. A true cornerstone of the tiki-taka era.
Left-back – David Alaba
Alaba’s versatility made him one of Pep's most trusted players at Bayern Munich. Whether in defence or midfield, he was always reliable—earning Guardiola’s praise as "our God" for his ability to play almost anywhere.
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Centre-back – Gerard Pique
While Kompany and Dias came close, Pique’s consistency and success under Guardiola at Barcelona secured his spot. He was part of a dominant backline and played a crucial role in the club's golden era.
Centre-back – Carles Puyol
The heart and soul of Pep's Barcelona defence, Puyol was a warrior who led by example. His leadership and defensive prowess helped build one of the most iconic teams in modern football.
Right-back – Dani Alves
Alves was a dynamic force down the right flank and shared an unstoppable chemistry with Messi. As one of the most decorated players ever, his place in this XI was never in doubt.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer
Neuer revolutionised goalkeeping with his "sweeper keeper" style and was integral to Guardiola's Bayern. While Ederson and Valdes had strong cases, Neuer’s dominance at his peak was unmatched.
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