,type=downsize)
Pep Guardiola is navigating one of the most challenging periods of his career—and his personal life. The Manchester City coach, revered for his tactical genius and unprecedented success, is facing a noticeable downturn in results. Off the field, however, the pressures of leadership pale in comparison to a profound personal change: the end of his 30-year partnership with Cristina Serra.
According to Mamarazzis (El Periódico), Guardiola and Serra decided to separate last December, sharing the news only with their closest inner circle—a small, trusted group. They have reportedly requested the utmost privacy, determined to navigate this transition away from the glare of public scrutiny.
Despite their changed circumstances, the pair maintains a positive relationship, with their three children remaining their top priority—María, Màrius, and Valentina—who have long kept their private lives shielded from the public eye.
This commitment to family was evident over the holidays. Though separated, they took advantage of the festive season to spend time together as a family in Barcelona, underscoring their dedication to preserving a sense of normalcy for their children.
A Private Union: The Low-Key Wedding of Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra
The couple’s story began in 1994, but they surprised many by marrying only after having already built their family. In 2014, they exchanged vows in a low-key civil ceremony held in the council chamber of the Matadepera Town Hall, near Barcelona. True to their trademark discretion, the couple arrived dressed casually and declined to make any statements to the media afterward.
Simplicity defined the occasion, officiated by their friend, Justice of the Peace Francesc Duch. Only ten guests attended, including their parents and their three children. The couple's unwavering commitment to privacy, a hallmark of their life together, was evident throughout the entire ceremony.
Serra has been a steadfast presence throughout Pep Guardiola's illustrious career, one of the most celebrated in the world of soccer. "It's impossible to strictly separate work and family. Anyone who says otherwise lacks credibility. But at home, I am neither a coach nor a manager," Guardiola once shared in a rare interview during his time at Bayern Munich.
In one of his few public remarks about family life, Guardiola emphasized their collaborative approach to decision-making. "My wife and I make decisions together. For me, harmony is very important," he explained, offering a glimpse into the values that shaped both his personal and professional worlds.
Behind Pep Guardiola’s Success: Cristina Serra’s Own Remarkable Journey
Cristina Serra has been by Pep Guardiola’s side through every chapter of his remarkable journey. Their story began during his playing days at FC Barcelona, where they first met, and continued as his career took him to the Spanish national team, Brescia Calcio, AS Roma, Al-Ahli Doha, and Dorados de Sinaloa. After retiring from playing in 2006, Guardiola seamlessly transitioned into coaching, which led him back to Barcelona, then to Germany, and finally to the United Kingdom, where he currently manages Manchester City. Through it all, his family has been a constant, offering support at home, on the field, and during the celebrations of his many triumphs.
However, Cristina's professional life differs significantly from her involvement in soccer. In her youth, she appeared in Catalan television programs like the teen series El joc de viure. But her true passion lay elsewhere: fashion. She is the owner of Serra Claret, a high-end boutique in Barcelona, a family legacy she has modernized and expanded over the years. Her journey began in Manresa, where she took charge of her grandparents' clothing store before adding the Barcelona location. Yet, like many in the industry, she faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her to pivot, closing the men’s section to focus exclusively on women’s fashion. Her resilience and adaptability have been as much a hallmark of her career as her support for Guardiola’s.
From Influencer to Entrepreneur: The Diverse Pursuits of Guardiola’s Kids
María, the eldest of the Guardiola-Serra children, has followed in her mother’s fashionable footsteps and is the most publicly recognized member of the family. At 24, she is a regular at high-profile fashion events, earning her status as a style icon and a successful influencer. Her career is managed by the marketing agency Bold, which supports her growing presence in the fashion and social media worlds. Despite her public persona, María remains deeply family-oriented, often sharing glimpses of her personal life and emphasizing her close-knit bonds.
Màrius, 21, the middle child, has carved a different path. An avid golfer, he is also focused on entrepreneurship, dedicating his efforts to managing three commercial marketing ventures he has launched. Meanwhile, the youngest, 17-year-old Valentina, is focused on her education, reflecting the family’s commitment to fostering individual pursuits and ambitions.