Pep Guardiola playfully mocks Riyad Mahrez’s outfit in warm exchange

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sparked laughter online after making a light-hearted remark about Riyad Mahrez’s outfit during a farewell tribute to Kevin De Bruyne.

The comment came during a video segment celebrating De Bruyne’s contribution to Manchester City, where several former players made appearances.

Among them was Riyad Mahrez, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, whose fashion choice drew a playful jab from his former manager.

“It was so nice to see Vinny [Kompany], Leroy [Sané], Raheem [Sterling], the disastrous Riyad [Mahrez] outfit and all the players—Pablo [Zabaleta], Joe Hart… Everyone was there. It was really, really nice,” said Guardiola, who couldn’t resist poking fun at Mahrez’s wardrobe.

The 34-year-old Algerian winger responded in kind on social media. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mahrez posted a series of laughing emojis along with the tongue-in-cheek comment: “This guy…”

The exchange quickly gained traction among fans, many of whom appreciated the display of camaraderie between the two. Comments poured in highlighting the enduring friendship and mutual respect that still exists between Mahrez and Guardiola, despite the winger’s departure from the Premier League last year.

Guardiola and Mahrez worked together for five highly successful seasons between 2018 and 2023, a period that yielded a remarkable 13 trophies, including four Premier League titles and one historic UEFA Champions League triumph—the first in Manchester City’s history.

Although their final season together was reportedly bittersweet for Mahrez, who featured less prominently in the squad during City’s treble-winning campaign, the winger has shown no public signs of resentment. Instead, the latest exchange underscores the strength of the bond he shares with the Catalan coach.

Mahrez, who amassed 236 appearances under Guardiola’s leadership, scored 78 goals and delivered 59 assists during his time at the Etihad.

His contributions were instrumental in City’s domestic dominance and their eventual rise to European glory.

Since moving to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, Mahrez has found a new lease on life, regularly featuring in the starting lineup and playing a key role in his team’s attacking prowess.

Yet his links to Manchester City—and particularly to Guardiola—remain intact.

The jovial nature of their interaction has delighted fans who continue to admire the dynamic that existed between coach and player during City’s golden era.

Guardiola’s humorous dig, far from being taken offensively, was received as a testament to the ease and affection that characterise their relationship.

As tributes to De Bruyne poured in, the moment of levity involving Mahrez stood out, adding a touch of humour to the otherwise emotional farewell.

And for fans of Manchester City, it served as a nostalgic reminder of the personalities behind the club’s most successful period.

Despite now residing on separate continents and representing different footballing worlds, the friendly spark between Guardiola and Mahrez remains very much alive—proving that true sporting connections can endure long after the final whistle.