Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed Palestinian national team jerseys for al-Irada FC, an amputee football team based in Gaza, in a gesture that has quickly spread across social media.
Images shared online show Guardiola holding and signing the shirts, which were later delivered to the players in Gaza. The moment has been widely described by supporters as a sign of solidarity between elite European football and athletes competing under severe hardship.
Al-Irada FC is made up of amputee players who continue to train and compete despite limited resources and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The club has become a symbol of resilience in Palestinian sport, with players often practicing on basic pitches and relying on donated equipment.
Guardiola, who has previously spoken publicly about humanitarian issues, did not release a lengthy statement alongside the signing. However, photos of the jerseys bearing his signature circulated rapidly on X, Instagram, and Facebook, drawing praise from fans across different regions.
For many supporters, the symbolism mattered as much as the signature itself. Guardiola is one of the most decorated managers in modern football, having led Manchester City to multiple Premier League titles and a historic UEFA Champions League triumph. His involvement, even in a simple act like signing shirts, brought global attention to a team that rarely receives international coverage.
Amputee football has grown steadily in recent years, with structured leagues and international competitions under the umbrella of the World Amputee Football Federation. Teams like al-Irada FC often operate far from that spotlight, facing logistical and financial challenges that make participation itself an achievement.
The viral reaction reflects the deep intersection between sport and politics, particularly when high-profile figures take visible stances — symbolic or otherwise. Some fans framed the gesture as a humanitarian acknowledgment of athletes playing under extreme conditions. Others debated the broader political implications.
Within hours, the photos had been reposted thousands of times. Palestinian sports pages hailed the move as recognition of perseverance. Manchester City supporters’ groups also shared the images, calling it a proud moment for the club’s manager.
Neither Manchester City nor Gaza-based representatives released detailed follow-up comments at the time the images circulated. The jerseys, now signed, are expected to be worn or displayed by al-Irada FC players in upcoming matches and community events.
On the training grounds in Gaza, the shirts quickly became more than fabric and ink.