Pep Guardiola Advocates for Palestinian Children at Barcelona Benefit Event
Football icon Pep Guardiola once again demonstrated his unwavering support for Palestinian children in Gaza during a poignant address at the 'Act X Palestine' benefit concert in Barcelona on Thursday evening. The Manchester City manager, renowned for his vocal stance on human rights, took the stage at the Palau Sant Jordi sporting arena in his hometown, captivating the audience with a heartfelt plea for peace and justice.
Guardiola's Emotional Appeal for Gaza's Youth
Draped in traditional black and white attire, Guardiola began his speech with a warm "Good Evening," followed by the Islamic greeting 'Aslamualikum,' meaning 'peace be upon you.' He directed his words toward the innocent children who have lost parents amid the ongoing conflict, referencing distressing images from Gaza that have circulated on social media over the past two years.
"I think we have left them alone, abandoned," Guardiola expressed, his voice filled with emotion. "When I see a child in these past two years with these images on social media, on television, recording himself, pleading 'where is my mother?' among the rubble, and he still doesn’t know it." His remarks highlighted the profound isolation felt by Gaza's youngest victims, urging immediate global intervention.
Critique of World Leaders and Calls for Action
The 55-year-old Catalan coach did not mince words when addressing international leadership, labeling powerful figures as "cowards" for sending innocent civilians into conflict while remaining safely in their homes. "The powerful are cowards because they send innocent people to kill innocent people... while they are at home with heating when it’s cold and air conditioning when it’s hot," he asserted, drawing a stark contrast between decision-makers and those suffering on the ground.
Guardiola called for an end to "decades of oppression" and condemned the silence of global leaders, emphasizing that humanity must prevail. "All of this is simply about humanity," he declared to a standing ovation after his three-minute speech, adding, "Which is everything that is not happening in Palestine." He also drew parallels between Palestine's current plight and Barcelona's history, specifically referencing the 1938 bombings during the Spanish Civil War.
'Act X Palestine' Concert and Humanitarian Mission
The 'Act X Palestine' event, organized by a coalition of human rights groups and Catalan cultural organizations, aimed to raise funds for humanitarian aid and cultural reconstruction in Palestine. The concert featured a diverse lineup of artists, including Bad Gyal, Lluís Llach, and Palestinian singers Zeyne and Lina Makoul. Proceeds are designated to support cultural centers across Palestine via the Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN).
Guardiola concluded his address with a message of hope, encouraging the audience to let the music inspire a "better society." This appearance aligns with his longstanding advocacy; in October 2025, he urged people to pressure governments for immediate action on Gaza, and in June 2025, after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, he stated, "It’s so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts my whole body." A video of his support for pro-Palestine protests has garnered over 7 million views on X (formerly Twitter).
Context and Global Implications
Guardiola's speech comes at a critical moment in the Israel-Palestine conflict, following reports that Israel acknowledged approximately 70,000 deaths in Gaza, a figure similar to estimates from the Gaza health ministry. Concurrently, global dynamics are shifting, with major world powers rejecting U.S. aspirations for President Donald Trump's proposed 'Board of Peace' to have a broader international mandate beyond Gaza ceasefire efforts, reaffirming support for the United Nations instead.
As Guardiola returns to Manchester ahead of Manchester City's match against Tottenham, his advocacy underscores the intersection of sports, politics, and humanitarianism. His legacy as one of football's greatest managers, with numerous records and treble wins, now extends beyond the pitch, championing causes that resonate worldwide.
