Who Is Manchester City’s Outgoing Director Of Football?
After more than a decade quietly pulling the strings behind Manchester City’s success, Txiki Begiristain has officially said goodbye to the club. It is the end of an era at the Etihad.
Txiki, who first arrived in 2012, was not just a sporting director; he became one of the most important figures in City’s rise from Premier League hopefuls to European giants. His exit had been coming for a while; he announced in October 2024 that he would step down at the end of the 2024-25 season. Now, the day has come, and a new chapter begins in Manchester City’s history.
The Success At Manchester City
In his 13 years in Manchester, City won a jaw-dropping 21 major trophies, including seven Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a long-awaited Champions League, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. However, trophies only tell half the story. Txiki’s real genius was shaping a footballing machine that felt unstoppable at times. He didn’t just build teams; he built a structure that made winning feel like the natural order of things.
Perhaps his most famous contribution? Convincing his old friend Pep Guardiola to take the job back in 2016. It wasn’t easy. Guardiola was fresh off a sabbatical after Bayern, and though City had shown interest as early as 2013, it wasn’t until a few years later that the two aligned. That partnership between Txiki and Pep changed everything. Together, they created one of the most dominant teams England and Europe has ever seen.
Off the pitch, Txiki wasn’t one for the limelight. No flashy interviews, no self-promotion, but he had a hand in almost every major signing the club made during his time. From Kevin De Bruyne to Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias to Rodri, these weren’t just great players; they were perfect fits for Guardiola’s system.
Enter Hugo Viana: A New Face In the City Ranks
With Txiki stepping aside, Hugo Viana has taken over as the new head of football operations. At 42, he’s already made a name for himself in Portugal, helping to reshape Sporting CP both on the field and financially. Now, he’s tasked with continuing the legacy Txiki leaves behind.
Viana is no stranger to English football fans. Some might remember him from his playing days at Newcastle United and Valencia, but it’s what he’s done after hanging up his boots that caught City’s attention. He oversaw a smart recruitment strategy at Sporting, bringing in players like Manuel Ugarte and helping the club return to title contention. He also had a strong working relationship with manager Rúben Amorim, and those who’ve followed his career say he’s calm, analytical, and sharp in negotiations.
Over the past few months, City have eased Viana into the role, with Txiki mentoring him during the summer transfer window. It wasn’t a rushed handover; it was calculated, deliberate, and respectful, much like the way Begiristain has handled things throughout his time at the club.
This isn’t just about finding someone to carry on where Txiki left off. It’s about adapting to a changing football landscape. With the Premier League still investigating over 100 alleged breaches of financial rules, and with a trophyless season just gone, City are at a bit of a crossroads. Viana steps in not just as a recruiter, but as a figure who’ll need to balance ambition with stability and potentially help steady the ship during uncertain waters.
A Farewell, a Film, and a Legacy That Will Last
Txiki may be gone, but the club isn’t letting him leave without a proper send-off. In September, City Studios will release a full-length documentary called A Farewell to Txiki. It’ll look back at his career, from his days as a talented winger at Barcelona, to the mastermind behind Guardiola’s Manchester City. Expect a few emotional tributes, many behind-the-scenes moments, and probably a nod to the friendships he formed during this long, historic ride.
City is also planning to honour him during their home match against Manchester United in mid-September. There’s no doubt fans will give him the recognition he deserves. While he never chased fame or media attention, supporters understand just how central he’s been to this golden era.
Pep? He even admitted earlier this year that losing Txiki would be like “losing a part of himself.” Their bond ran deep, both professionally and personally. As Guardiola’s future at the club remains uncertain, with his contract running out in 2026, many wonder if Txiki’s departure might also be the beginning of the end of the Guardiola era.
Whatever happens next, there’s no erasing what Begiristain has built. His time at Manchester City reshaped the club, changed the Premier League, and set a new standard for what a sporting director could be. While Hugo Viana will have his ideas and style, the framework left behind by Txiki will continue to guide the club for years to come.
