This Christmas Eve, we’re thrilled to unveil the heartwarming moments that have defined this year’s Cityzens Christmas Surprise campaign.
At Manchester City, we cherish the incredible community of fans who embody the spirit of togetherness, passion, and giving back. Through your heartfelt nominations, we’ve been privileged to bring a little extra magic to some truly deserving individuals.
This year’s campaign saw almost 2,000 nominations submitted, each one showcasing the incredible spirit and stories within the City family. For 2024, we wanted to go even bigger, creating not just one, but a series of surprises to bring joy and recognition to those who inspire us most.
From unforgettable matchday experiences to personal visits from players, here’s how we shared the festive spirit...
Unforgettable Derby Day Experiences
We welcomed four fans to Manchester for an incredible Derby Day experience at the Etihad Stadium.
From the USA: Two fans were flown in from across the Atlantic to enjoy tickets, a stadium tour, and a team-signed shirt, immersing them in the heart of Manchester City.
From Manchester: Two local fans also joined us for the Derby Day magic, receiving the same VIP treatment.
A Special Family Moment: A young fan not only attended the Derby but also featured in the team photo. She brought along her dad to share in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, complete with tickets, a stadium tour, and a team-signed shirt.
A Mascot Experience to Remember
One young fan had the chance to walk out onto the pitch as a mascot for our game against Nottingham Forest. Accompanied by her parent, this magical moment was a dream come true for a dedicated young Blue.
Jack Grealish’s Special Visits
Sean Moore, a lifelong City fan battling bile duct cancer, was surprised at home by Jack Grealish. Sean received a team-signed shirt, Jack’s signed boots, and all four 2024/25 shirts. Jack’s visit brought smiles and a much-needed boost to Sean and his family.
Meet the Nominees: Stories That Inspire
The heart of this campaign lies in the stories of the fans who were nominated. Their dedication, resilience, and generosity exemplify what it means to be part of the Manchester City family.
Sean Moore: Nominated by his daughter Beth, Sean has faced an incredibly tough year, undergoing life-saving surgery and chemotherapy for bile duct cancer. Despite the challenges, his unwavering positivity and lifelong support for City have inspired his family and everyone around him. Jack Grealish’s visit was a heartfelt thank-you for Sean’s enduring loyalty and spirit.
Ruby Tomczyk: Nominated by her mother Marta, Buby is a psychology student at Manchester Metropolitan University who dedicates her time to helping children with mental health issues. Her drive to support others stems from personal experience, and her selflessness shines through in everything she does. Buby enjoyed an unforgettable Derby Day experience, accompanied by her dad.
Katie: Nominated by her friend Jarrod, Katie’s passion for Manchester City is matched only by her dedication to her community. Balancing a full-time job, volunteering at a health clinic, and pursuing a career in medicine, Katie is an inspiring example of hard work and kindness. Her Derby Day experience was a celebration of her relentless commitment to making a difference.
A Season of Giving
This year’s Cityzens Christmas Surprise campaign has been a celebration of the extraordinary individuals who make Manchester City more than a club—it’s a family. From the USA to Manchester, from young fans to lifelong supporters, we’ve been privileged to share moments of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
Thank you to everyone who nominated a fellow fan and shared their stories. You remind us of the power of community and the magic of the beautiful game.
Wishing all our Cityzens a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Here’s to making 2025 another unforgettable year together!