Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a powerful and emotional address explaining his unwavering commitment to speaking out on humanitarian crises across the globe. The football icon stressed that his motivation stems from the unprecedented visibility of human suffering in today's world, compelling him to use his platform for advocacy.
Guardiola's Humanitarian Stance Beyond Football
The Spaniard made headlines last week after missing pre-match media duties for Manchester City's game at Tottenham. This absence followed his participation in a charity event in his home city of Barcelona, where he delivered a speech in support of Palestinian children facing hardship. Guardiola clarified that this was not an isolated incident but part of a consistent personal philosophy.
A Compulsion to Address Global Suffering
Speaking passionately at a press conference ostensibly arranged to preview Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, Guardiola articulated his perspective. "Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes, watching more clearly than now," he stated, referencing conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, and other regions worldwide.
"What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It's our problems as human beings," Guardiola continued. "There is somebody who sees the images from all around the world who is not affected? Today we can see it. Before we could not see it. Today we see. It hurts me."
Defending Human Life Above All Else
The 55-year-old manager emphasised that his position transcends political allegiances or taking sides in complex international disputes. Instead, he frames it as a fundamental defence of human life wherever civilians endure suffering. "If it was the opposite side, it would hurt me," Guardiola explained. "Wanting harm for another country? It hurts me. To completely kill thousands of innocent people, it hurts me. It's no more complicated than that. No more."
He elaborated further, stating, "When you have an idea and you need to defend it and you have to kill thousands, thousands of people – I'm sorry, I will stand up. Always I will be there, always."
The Core Principle: Humanity First
Guardiola distilled his philosophy into a simple, urgent imperative: prioritise saving lives above ideological debates. "The people who have to do that, run away from their countries, go in the sea and then go on a boat to get rescued. Don't ask if he is right or wrong, rescue him. It is about a human being," he asserted.
"After we can agree or criticise but if people are dying, you have to help. Protecting the human being and human life is the only thing we have, not just in these parts of the world but every part of the world."
A Paradox of Progress and Persisting Violence
The Manchester City boss highlighted a stark contradiction in modern society. "What is happening right now, with the technologies and advances that we have, the humanity is better than ever in terms of possibilities. We can reach the moon, we can do everything," he observed.
"But still right now, we kill each other. For what? When I see the images, I am sorry, it hurts. It hurts me, that is why in every position I can help by speaking up to be a better society, I will try and will be there. All the time."
A Call for Dialogue and Collective Improvement
Guardiola concluded by advocating for open discussion and acknowledging universal imperfection as a starting point for progress. "From my point of view, the justice? You have to talk. Otherwise it will just move on," he warned.
"Look what happened in the United States of America. There is not a perfect society, nowhere is perfect. I am not perfect, we have to work to be better." This final reflection underscores his belief that addressing global suffering requires continuous, collective effort rather than silence or complacency.
