In a recent interview, Manchester City’s legendary manager, Pep Guardiola, made a surprising statement. He revealed that during his 11-year playing career, he scored just 11 goals.

While that may sound modest, he contrasted it with the incredible achievements of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored an unbelievable 901 career goals.

Guardiola’s statement has sparked discussions in the football world about how different playing styles and positions lead to different outcomes on the field.

Who Is Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola, whose full name is Josep Guardiola Sala born on January 18, 1971, is a Spanish football manager and former player known for his tactical brilliance.

He played as a defensive midfielder for FC Barcelona, where he was part of Johan Cruyff’s famous “Dream Team” that won four La Liga titles and the European Cup in 1992.

After retiring from playing, Guardiola transitioned into management, starting at Barcelona, where he led the team to 14 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, revolutionizing the game with his “tiki-taka” style of play.

As a manager, Guardiola continued his success with Bayern Munich, winning three consecutive Bundesliga titles, and later with Manchester City, where he transformed the team into a dominant force in English football.

Under his leadership, City secured multiple Premier League titles, including a historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League) in 2023.

Known for his possession-based, high-pressing football, Guardiola’s influence has reshaped modern football, and his legacy is further cemented by the numerous titles and tactical innovations he has introduced to the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Pep Guardiola as Players

Aspect	Cristiano Ronaldo	Pep Guardiola
Position	Forward (Winger/Striker)	Defensive Midfielder (Deep-lying Playmaker)
Playing Style	Fast, powerful, skilled in dribbling, aerial ability, and finishing. Known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess.	Technical, intelligent, focused on controlling the tempo, precise passing, and tactical awareness.
Primary Role	Scoring goals, creating chances, leading the attack.	Orchestrating play from midfield, dictating the game’s tempo, breaking up opposition plays.
Club Career Highlights	Played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr. Won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy.	Spent most of his career at Barcelona. Played under Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team,” winning multiple La Liga titles and the European Cup (now Champions League).
Goal-scoring Record	Over 900 career goals, making him one of the highest goal-scorers in football history.	Scored 11 goals in his entire career, as his role was not focused on scoring but on facilitating play.
Trophies as a Player	5x UEFA Champions League, numerous domestic league titles, and 7x Ballon d’Or winner.	6x La Liga titles, 1x European Cup (1992), multiple domestic cups with Barcelona.
International Career	Key player for Portugal, winning the UEFA Euro 2016 and the Nations League. Over 100 international goals.	Played 47 times for Spain, featured in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Legacy as a Player	One of the greatest goal-scorers and athletes in football history. Known for his work ethic, longevity, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.	Known for his intelligence, vision, and ability to control games from midfield. Highly respected for his understanding of tactics and leadership on the field.
Physical Attributes	Tall, strong, extremely fast, and excellent in the air.	Slim build, relied more on intelligence and positioning rather than physical strength or speed.
Influence on the Game	Revolutionized the role of a modern forward with his athleticism and versatility.	Inspired the next generation of playmakers, such as Xavi and Iniesta, focusing on technical and tactical mastery.
Post-playing Career	Still an active player as of 2023, but has become a global sports icon.	Transitioned into coaching, becoming one of the greatest managers in football history with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

Ronaldo Interview Related to Pep Guardiola

Ronaldo’s Career Highlights

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to 901 goals is nothing short of remarkable. He started his career at Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United, where he became a global superstar. His time at Real Madrid cemented his legacy, as he became the club’s all-time top scorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo can’t play in Alverca vs Al-Nassr match due to his summer holidays. He was enjoying with his wife Gerogina in Ibiza.

Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal has also been impressive, leading his country to a European Championship victory in 2016 and continuing to score at the highest level.

While Ronaldo has achieved numerous records, his work ethic and determination have always stood out. His 901 goals are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.

Al-Nassr Falls 4-1 to Al-Hilal in Saudi Super Cup Clash

Ronaldo’s Incredible Goal Record

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo is known for being one of the best goal-scorers in football history. He has scored 901 career goals across various competitions and teams, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and the Portugal national team.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring ability comes from his position as a forward. Unlike Guardiola, Ronaldo’s primary role is to score goals and lead attacks. His speed, strength, and precise finishing have helped him become a football icon.

Pep Guardiola’s Playing Career

Before becoming one of the most successful football managers of all time, Pep Guardiola was a professional footballer. He played as a defensive midfielder, a position that focuses more on stopping attacks and passing the ball to others, rather than scoring goals.

Guardiola spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, where he was known for his intelligence and vision on the field.

Though he was a key player for Barcelona, scoring goals was not his primary role. In his entire 11-year playing career, he only managed to score 11 goals. But this didn’t take away from his contributions, as his main job was to control the midfield and help his team maintain possession.

Pep Guardiola’s Playing Career Stats

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals
Barcelona C	1988–1989	8	1
Barcelona B	1990–1992	53	5
Barcelona	1990–2001	263	6
Brescia	2001–2002	11	2
Roma	2002–2003	4	0
Brescia	2003	13	1
Al-Ahli	2003–2005	36	5
Dorados	2005–2006	10	1
Total	1988–2006	398	21

The Start of Pep Guardiola Managerial Journey

After retiring from playing, Guardiola swiftly moved into coaching. His first significant managerial role came with Barcelona B, where he led the team to promotion. In 2008, Guardiola was appointed as the first-team manager of FC Barcelona.

In his debut season, he led the club to an unprecedented treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s Managerial Career (Major Titles Won)

Team	Years	Major Titles Won	Notable Achievements
Barcelona	2008–2012	14 Titles	2x UEFA Champions League, 3x La Liga
Bayern Munich	2013–2016	7 Titles	3x Bundesliga, 2x DFB-Pokal
Manchester City	2016–Present	15 Titles	5x Premier League, 1x UEFA Champions League
Total	2008–Present	36 Titles	Historic domestic trebles and European success

Pep Guardiola Tactical Innovations

Guardiola’s football philosophy emphasizes possession, high pressing, and fluid movement. He popularized the “false nine” role, often deploying Lionel Messi in this position at Barcelona.

His teams are known for their quick passing, often referred to as “tiki-taka,” which relies on keeping the ball to control the game.

At Bayern Munich, Guardiola adapted his tactics to the German style of play, while at Manchester City, he revolutionized English football by incorporating high pressing and possession-based tactics. Under his guidance, Manchester City became the first Premier League team to reach 100 points in a season.

Pep Guardiola Career Achievements

Pep Guardiola’s managerial career is filled with accolades. He is the only manager to have won the continental treble twice, once with Barcelona and again with Manchester City.

In addition to his success in Spain, Germany, and England, Guardiola holds the record for the most consecutive league wins in La Liga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s Records & Achievements

Category	Record/Stat
Most Consecutive Wins (La Liga)	16 matches
Most Consecutive Wins (Bundesliga)	19 matches
Most Consecutive Wins (Premier League)	18 matches
Premier League Points Record	100 points (2017–18 season)
Total Trophies Won as Manager	36
Youngest Manager to Win UCL	37 years old (2008–09)

Pep Guardiola Career Goals

Pep Guardiola’s comment highlights an important point about football: not every player is judged by the number of goals they score. Some players, like Ronaldo, are expected to score, while others, like Guardiola during his playing days, have different responsibilities.

Guardiola’s 11 goals in 11 years may seem small when compared to Ronaldo’s 901, but both players contributed to the game in their own ways. Guardiola went on to become one of the greatest football managers, while Ronaldo continues to break records as a player.

Pep Guardiola: A Football Legend Beyond Goals

While Guardiola may not have scored many goals, his career after football has been just as impressive. As a manager, he has won countless trophies with teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

His tactical genius has changed the way teams play, making him one of the most respected managers in the sport.

His influence on football goes far beyond scoring, and his success as a coach proves that there’s much more to football than just putting the ball in the back of the net.

How Much Does Pep Guardiola Make

ep Guardiola is one of the highest-paid football managers in the world. As of 2023, his annual salary at Manchester City is reported to be around £20 million ($25 million USD) per year. This includes his base salary and performance bonuses for achievements like winning the Premier League or Champions League.

Additionally, Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November 2022 that keeps him with Manchester City until 2025, further solidifying his place as one of the top-earning managers in football.

Beyond his salary from Manchester City, Guardiola also earns from endorsements and sponsorship deals, which contribute significantly to his overall income.

In summary:

• Base Salary (2023): £20 million per year
• Contract Until: 2025
• Additional Earnings: Endorsements, sponsorships

His earnings reflect his success and reputation as one of the greatest football managers in modern history.

Why Did Pep Guardiola Leave Barcelona

Pep Guardiola left Barcelona in 2012 after four highly successful years as the team’s manager. His decision to step down was mainly due to physical and mental exhaustion. Guardiola stated that managing a club like Barcelona, with its intense pressure and constant scrutiny, had taken a toll on him.

In his own words, Guardiola said, “Four years is an eternity as a coach at Barcelona.” He felt that he needed to rest and recharge, which is why he took a sabbatical year after leaving the club. Guardiola also mentioned that he believed it was time for a new voice to lead the team and continue the work he had started.

Under his leadership, Barcelona won 14 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest managers in football history. After his departure, Tito Vilanova succeeded him as Barcelona’s manager.

In summary, Guardiola left Barcelona due to:

1. Exhaustion and burnout after four intense years.
2. Need for rest and personal reflection.
3. Belief that the team needed fresh leadership to continue its success.

How Many Goals Did Pep Guardiola Score

Pep Guardiola Scored 11 goals in his entire 11 year as a football player career. He won 14 trophies, including 2 UEFA champion league and three La Liga. He is currently the manager of Premier League club Manchester City.

He is only player who won continental treble twice.

Final Words

Pep Guardiola’s comparison of his 11 goals to Ronaldo’s 901 shows how different roles in football require different skills and talents. While Ronaldo will be remembered as one of the greatest goal-scorers ever, Guardiola’s impact as both a player and a manager makes him a legend in his own right.

Both players have made significant contributions to football, showing that success comes in many forms on the field.