She is the model who boasts millions of Instagram followers and has lived in Barcelona, Rome, New York, Munich, Qatar and London.
But Maria Guardiola is also the bedrock by her father Pep Guardiola’s side as he pursues his seventh – and most impressive – Premier League title with Manchester City.
Maria, the oldest of Guardiola’s three children, moved to London five years ago while Pep developed City into an all-conquering force, where she studied Fashion Business and worked for Victoria Beckham and Helmut Lang before focusing on humanitarian projects.
But she has always held her family close and has been spotted alongside Pep during his most important career moments.
As a child, she witnessed Pep’s legendary Barcelona team beat Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final. More recently, she was at Wembley in March when City gained a huge psychological advantage over title rivals Arsenal by winning the Carabao Cup.
Maria Guardiola (centre) is the bedrock by Pep’s side as City chase another title triumph
Maria revealed that she and her father share the same ‘stubborness’ and ‘tunnel-vision’ mindset
Maria also sat in Wimbledon’s royal box with her father – a massive tennis fan – in 2024, and she has been spotted in the stands in recent weeks as City have hunted Arsenal down in an enthralling title race.
‘Following my dad around the world to watch games gave me special memories and brought the family together,’ she told Vanity Fair last year.
‘I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had. Although it was sometimes a challenge, my parents made the transitions easier and helped my siblings and me take advantage of opportunities.’
Maria, who says she was ‘raised to understand the privilege of my circumstances’, revealed that she and her father share a very similar, competitive trait.
‘My father and I joke that I inherited his stubbornness. When we set our minds to something, we pursue it with tunnel vision until we achieve it. From my mother, I inherited confidence and a sense of independence.
‘My parents have always advised me to find what I’m passionate about. They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure, and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally. They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.’
Maria has been by her father’s side throughout his career and the pair went to Wimbledon together in 2024
She will also happily share her opinion with her father, no matter how honest. Last summer, having tried to reinvent himself with a bold new moustache look, Pep revealed why he decided to shave it off.
‘It’s gone,’ Guardiola told Men in Blazers. ‘My daughter said it was horrible so I had to get it off.’
Guardiola and Maria’s mother Serra split last year after 12 years of marriage, having been together for three decades. No reason for the divorce was given, however reports suggested his ‘workaholic’ tendencies were to blame.
The Man City manager’s contract is due to expire in 2027, but some have suggested Guardiola could elect to walk away this summer.
Guardiola has led Man City to 16 major pieces of silverware during his decade at the club, with March’s win over Arsenal giving him a record fifth League Cup success.
