JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has solidified their status among the greatest club sides in history. Winning the Club World Cup on Friday was more of a formality than a true test of their ability, but it cemented the champions of England and Europe as the champions of the world. With a comfortable 4-0 victory over Fluminense, City demonstrated the calm dominance that has characterized the team under Guardiola’s guidance since 2016. The Brazilian side, considered the best team in South America, could only manage two shots on target as City became the first English team to win five trophies in a calendar year.
In the world of football, debates about the greatest teams are endless and inconclusive. However, Guardiola’s Manchester City undeniably deserves a place in that conversation. Historic teams such as Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan side, Liverpool’s dominant European Cup-winning team of the 1970s and 1980s, Real Madrid’s back-to-back-to-back Champions League winners, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United teams have all made their mark. Guardiola’s Barcelona team, with Lionel Messi at his prime, is another strong contender. Yet, City’s accomplishments under Guardiola must be recognized alongside these illustrious names.
Despite the competitive landscape of English football, with a multitude of ambitious clubs vying for titles every year, Manchester City has repeatedly outperformed their rivals in the Premier League. Over Guardiola’s seven-and-a-half-year tenure, they have secured the Premier League five times, along with two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and now the Club World Cup. In 2019, City achieved a domestic treble and matched United’s historic 1999 treble last season. With the potential of winning a fourth consecutive title this season, City’s unprecedented success shows no signs of stopping.
“In Barcelona, 25 years later people talk about great teams, 25 years later,” said Guardiola. “That means they’re really good. I don’t know what’s going to happen at City in the next 15, 20, 25 years — maybe we will be considered one of the best teams in history.” Guardiola recognizes the significance of sustained excellence over an extended period. City’s consistency, year after year, game after game, and title after title, is a testament to their unbelievable quality.
However, there are legitimate questions to address, particularly regarding the allegations of breaching financial fair play rules between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League piling 115 charges against the club. Yet, focusing solely on their performances on the pitch, Guardiola’s City has been nothing short of remarkable.
While Fluminense, City’s opponents in the Club World Cup final, managed to narrowly defeat Al Ahly in the semifinals, they were never expected to pose a significant threat. The chasm between the top European clubs and the rest of the world remains evident, with the Champions League winner lifting the Club World Cup trophy in 15 of the last 16 years. Any lingering hope of an upset was extinguished when Julián Álvarez scored the fastest goal in Club World Cup final history after just 40 seconds. With an own goal from Nino in the 27th minute, the game was effectively over. The only lingering question was how many goals City would accumulate. Phil Foden added a third, and Álvarez sealed the victory with a fourth late in the match. City’s performance was so commanding that the elaborate pre-match show became an unnecessary spectacle.
As City celebrated their fifth trophy in 2023, an injury to Rodri marred the victory. However, the fact that he was able to participate in the post-match celebration suggests that it may not be a significant setback. With 18 months remaining on Guardiola’s contract, there is still time to add more silverware to their collection before he moves on. The foundation has been laid, and City’s place among the greatest teams in history is secure.
Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship has proven that they belong among the elite club sides of all time. Their consistent success, overcoming challenges from both domestic and European competitors, sets them apart. While the club faces off-pitch controversies, their achievements on the field speak for themselves. As the conversation continues around the greatest teams in history, Manchester City’s name will undoubtedly be part of that discussion.