Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered one of his most unexpected and forceful political statements yet, openly criticising U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged unlawful killings by ICE agents.
The remarks, made during a press conference, quickly sent shockwaves beyond football and into global political discourse.
Guardiola’s comments followed reports of the deaths of Renee Good and intensive care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
According to the City boss, the incident symbolised a deeper human crisis that can no longer be ignored.
His words immediately drew attention because of their timing, tone, and direct reference to the Trump administration.
“Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and (intensive care nurse) Alex Pretti have been killed,” Guardiola said. He appeared visibly shaken as he questioned how such actions could ever be justified.
The Manchester City coach went further, drawing a stark comparison that resonated strongly with audiences.
“Imagine the NHS, five six people around him, go on the grass and 10 shots. Tell me how you can defend that?” he asked, clearly expressing disbelief and anger.
Although Guardiola has previously spoken about global conflicts, this intervention felt different. However, it was not limited to the United States. Moreover, he expanded his comments to include wars and humanitarian crises across several regions.
“Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes more clearly than now,” he said. He then listed Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, and Sudan as places where innocent lives continue to be lost daily.
According to Guardiola, these events are not distant political issues but shared human problems. “It’s our problems as human beings. It’s our problems,” he stressed. Furthermore, he insisted that moral responsibility should not depend on political alignment.
“If it was the opposite (political) side, it would hurt me,” Guardiola added. “Killing thousands of innocent people, it hurts me. It’s no more complicated than that.”
The comments have gained added weight due to Manchester City’s ownership links. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently served as the UAE’s representative on Trump’s Board of Peace. Meanwhile, Al Mubarak also visited the White House after Trump’s inauguration, adding political sensitivity to Guardiola’s remarks.
In addition, Guardiola referenced migration and displacement, calling for empathy over judgment. “Don’t ask if he is right or wrong, rescue him,” he said, referring to refugees risking their lives at sea.
“I will stand up,” he said, concluding that protecting human life is the ultimate duty. Therefore, the debate he ignited is unlikely to fade soon.
