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Pep Guardiola joked that Wembley Stadium should name a stand after him after adding yet another chapter to his remarkable history at the national stadium.
The Manchester City boss made the comments ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FA Cup Final, but the occasion became even more memorable after City defeated Chelsea FC 1-0 at Wembley thanks to a stunning second-half winner from Antoine Semenyo.
The victory secured City’s second domestic trophy of the season following their 2-0 EFL Cup Final win over Arsenal FC earlier in the campaign, with both triumphs coming at Wembley.
Guardiola has now overseen 24 matches at Wembley during his hugely successful time in English football, further strengthening City’s reputation for regularly turning the stadium into what supporters often jokingly call “Etihad South.”
Guardiola jokes about Wembley recognition
Speaking before the final, Guardiola laughed about the idea of finally receiving some recognition from English football for his countless appearances at Wembley.
He said: “Yeah, I’m so disappointed English football that they don’t make a stand to Pep!”
The Spaniard continued: “Many times I’ve been there, at least a lounge or a box or something like that should be named for me. Maybe I go 24 more times. It’s a special place definitely.”
Guardiola also spoke emotionally about the significance of Wembley and the sacrifices supporters make to follow City to London for major finals.
“The message is this is the FA Cup final, at Wembley, with two prestigious clubs, with our fans that make an effort, an incredible effort to come down to London and support us,” he explained.
Semenyo delivers Wembley glory again for City
While Guardiola’s comments drew laughs, his side once again backed up their dominance at Wembley on the pitch.
After a tense first half against Chelsea, Semenyo produced a moment of brilliance in the 72nd minute, flicking home an inventive backheel finish from an Erling Haaland cross to hand City the trophy.
The FA Cup success completed a domestic cup double for City and added another major honour to Guardiola’s glittering spell in Manchester, with speculation continuing around whether this could eventually be his final season at the club.
City captain Bernardo Silva lifted the trophy at Wembley after full-time as Guardiola celebrated another landmark victory at the stadium he now jokingly claims deserves a “Pep Stand.”
FGG Says
Few managers in modern football are as closely associated with Wembley as Pep Guardiola. Manchester City’s dominance in domestic cup competitions has effectively turned the national stadium into a regular destination for Guardiola’s side, and the joke about naming a stand after him reflects just how extraordinary that consistency has become.
With another Wembley triumph now secured, and a second domestic trophy already added this season, Guardiola’s connection with the famous stadium only continues to grow.