Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed profound distress regarding children affected by global conflicts. Speaking at a press conference on 3 February 2026, Guardiola stated that footage of suffering "hurts" him. He vowed to use his platform to advocate for a better society.
Guardiola's comments followed an earlier appearance at a charity event in Barcelona in late January 2026, where he wore a keffiyeh. He highlighted the plight of children in conflict zones, including Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine, also referencing incidents in the United States.
The manager spoke emotionally about children crying for their mothers amidst rubble, feeling "abandoned" by the world. Guardiola stressed the importance of protecting human beings and urged leaders to act rather than look away from the humanitarian crises. He reiterated his commitment to standing up for innocent lives.