The football world was caught off guard by the shock split of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra, ending a decades-long relationship that had stayed mostly out of the spotlight. Rumours of divorce proceedings began swirling after Spanish TV and online reports suggested the couple had quietly started divorce proceedings, with Cristina deciding to move forward.
Known for his sharp mind and unmatched success as a coach, Pep Guardiola has led teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and now Manchester City to glory. But as headlines shift from football tactics to personal drama, fans are now asking: what happened between Pep and Cristina, and what could this mean for the City manager Pep Guardiola both on and off the pitch?
From whispers of an ugly court battle to speculation around finances and their three children, here's what we know so far about the Pep Guardiola divorce and his estranged wife Cristina Serra.
Who is Pep Guardiola?
Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. From his early days as a player with Barcelona to managing elite clubs like Bayern Munich and now Manchester City, his career has been nothing short of iconic. As the Manchester City manager, he's known for his tactical brilliance, calm demeanour, and his ability to build title-winning teams.
Currently, City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly earning an annual salary of $23 million, with a total net worth estimated at $126 million. As the reigning champions of the Champions League and Premier League, Manchester City has seen major success under his leadership – although recent performances have fans questioning whether off-field matters might be taking a toll.
Despite his public role, Guardiola has always kept his private life away from the spotlight, that is until now.
Pep Guardiola's relationship with Cristina Serra
Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra have shared a long and private relationship that began long before he became a household name in football. The pair reportedly met in the 1990s at a fashion store owned by Cristina's family in Barcelona, and their bond grew from there. In 2014, after more than two decades together, they officially tied the knot in a quiet ceremony.
Cristina Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, has largely stayed out of the public eye. Known for her elegance and strong connection to her family fashion business, she supported Guardiola through the highs and lows of his coaching career.
While the couple kept a very good relationship in the public eye, recent rumours suggest all may not have been well behind the scenes. Reports from Spanish TV programmes and journalists like Lorena Vázquez claim the couple has begun divorce proceedings, catching many fans by surprise.
Do Pep Guardiola and Cristina have children?
Yes, Guardiola and Serra have three children together. The family has mostly lived away from the public spotlight, although their daughter Maria has attracted some media attention as an influencer, posting fashion and lifestyle content.
Despite the couple's growing media attention following the divorce proceedings, they've continued to prioritise privacy when it comes to their kids. Whether the shock split will have any lasting impact on the children remains to be seen.
For now, what's clear is that both Guardiola and his Serra have built a family life away from the chaos of football fame. But with personal matters now making headlines, their roles as parents could come under more scrutiny.
Could Cristina Serra claim half of Guardiola's net worth?
With Pep Guardiola's reported net worth sitting around $126 million, questions have naturally emerged about how a potential divorce settlement might play out. If Cristina Serra were to pursue a financial claim, she could be entitled to a significant portion of those assets, especially given the length of their relationship and her role in supporting his career.
Although exact initial terms of any potential settlement haven't been made public, rumours suggest both parties have brought in their legal team, with some reports even claiming they've hired the same lawyer to keep things amicable. However, if things escalate into a public or ugly court battle, it could open the door for a complex division of wealth, including real estate, investments, and possibly earnings from image rights or sponsorship deals.
Given Cristina Serra's background as a fashion entrepreneur and her long-term connection to the family fashion business, she may not be financially dependent, but that doesn't necessarily mean the division will be simple. In high-profile separations like this, divorce proceedings can become lengthy and highly scrutinised, especially when there's this much money involved.
Impact on Pep Guardiola's career and personal life
As divorce proceedings between Guardiola and Serra continue to make headlines, many are wondering how it might be affecting the Manchester City manager. Known for his laser-sharp focus on the game, Guardiola now finds himself navigating both personal and professional challenges.
Lately, Manchester City hasn't quite looked like the dominant force fans are used to. The team has dropped crucial points and suffered unexpected losses—leading some to speculate whether the off-field stress is starting to show. While Guardiola has not publicly commented on the shock news, the timing of the reported split and his team's form hasn't gone unnoticed.
On a personal level, the end of a decades-long relationship can take a serious emotional toll, even for someone as composed as city manager Pep Guardiola. With the media speculating about his estranged wife, possible financial settlements, and his three children, it's likely he's juggling far more than just training sessions and match day strategies right now.
Divorce rumours
The Pep Guardiola divorce was confirmed in early 2025, with the Manchester City manager and his estranged wife Cristina Serra quietly beginning divorce proceedings after 30 years together. The pair reportedly reached the decision during showdown talks in Barcelona, and are even using the same lawyer to finalise their split—an effort to avoid an ugly court battle.
Spanish journalist Lorena Vázquez revealed on Y Ahora Sonsoles that the couple has already agreed on the initial terms of a multi-million dollar settlement. She noted the separation is intended to remain amicable, especially for the sake of their three children.
While Guardiola has continued to wear his wedding ring, sources suggest he may be more open to reconciliation than Cristina, who has largely avoided public comment and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
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