Pádraic Joyce and Pep Guardiola following Man City's 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Photo: Daniel Hussey/X via TNT Sports
Pádraic Joyce and Pep Guardiola following Man City's 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Photo: Daniel Hussey/X via TNT Sports
Joseph Murray
Today at 18:06
Galway Senior football manager Pádraic Joyce was spotted mingling with Man City boss Pep Guardiola following a Champions League tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Galway GAA great was spotted by eagle-eyed viewers when he appeared on TNT Sport’s live broadcast following City’s victory over Borussia Dortmund in Manchester on Wednesday.
Guardiola watched on from the sidelines as his side coasted to a 4-1 victory over the Black & Yellow before posing for photos with Joyce following the conclusion of the match.
A Phil Foden brace in between goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki ensured a smooth-sailing evening for Guardiola’s side ahead of a headline home fixture against Liverpool on Sunday.
A video shared on X showed Joyce enjoying a brief chat and handshake with Guardiola, before the duo posed for a photo alongside Joyce’s family.
Joyce, who won the All-Ireland twice as a player in 1998 and 2001, agreed an extension to extend his managerial term with Galway until 2028 earlier this year.
The Killererin native will be hoping to add the Sam Maguire trophy to his growing cabinet next year, having claimed four Connacht titles since taking over in 2020.
Having come tantalisingly close to securing the All-Ireland on two occasions since his reign as Galway manager began, Joyce may find encouragement from Guardiola’s own toils as City manager.
The Catalan boss struggled to find the right formula in the Champions League with the Blues, losing the 2021 final against Chelsea, before winning the continental title during his seventh season in charge against Inter Milan in 2023.
Pádraic Joyce’s seventh season will begin at the end of January, with the provisional National Football League Division One fixtures pitting the Tribesmen against near neighbours Mayo at Pearse Stadium on the weekend of January 24, 2026.