Pep Guardiola faces a high-profile divorce from Cristina Serra, his partner of over 30 years.
The couple, who share three children, have reportedly parted ways amidst claims of “cordial and friendly” proceedings.
However, behind the amicable façade lies a potential financial battle over Guardiola’s $126 million fortune.
Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra: The financial stakes on the table amid their separation
Guardiola and Serra’s relationship began more than three decades ago, evolving from a 20-year courtship into a decade of marriage.
Despite their enduring bond, sources point to Guardiola’s relentless focus on his career as a key factor in the breakup.
His renewal with Manchester City until 2027, announced in November 2024, is claimed to have strained their relationship further.
As one of the highest-paid football managers in the world, Guardiola earns an annual salary of $23 million.
His $126 million wealth extends far beyond his salary, encompassing an impressive real estate portfolio, luxury cars, and lucrative investments. Key assets include:
– A $10 million mansion in Barcelona’s exclusive Pedralbes neighbourhood.
– A $3.3 million luxury apartment in Manchester, complete with an Olympic pool and sauna.
– A collection of high-end watches and cars, including a Bentley GTX 700 ($288,000) and a Range Rover ($216,000).
– Guardiola also co-owns Tast Catala, a Michelin-acclaimed restaurant in Manchester, featuring a wine cellar valued at $241,345.
His income is further bolstered by commercial agreements managed through Schedule SL, an agency specialising in image rights and advertising.
The $126 Million Question: Could Cristina Serra’s claim half of Guardiola’s Net worth?
Cristina Serra could potentially claim half of Guardiola’s wealth, provided the spouses legally conclude divorce proceedings.
In Spain, the division of assets during a divorce is primarily determined by the matrimonial property regime chosen by the couple, which dictates how assets are owned and distributed.
The two main regimes are ‘Sociedad de Gananciales’ (community property) and ‘Separación de Bienes’ (separation of property).
Under ‘Sociedad de Gananciales’, all assets and income acquired (including salaries, real estate, and businesses) established during the marriage are considered joint property, regardless of which spouse acquired them.
Upon divorce, these communal assets are typically divided equally between the spouses.
However, assets owned individually before the marriage, as well as inheritances or gifts received by one spouse during the marriage, remain that spouse’s separate property.
Meanwhile in ‘Separación de Bienes’, each spouse retains ownership of assets acquired before and during the marriage.
There is no communal property– meaning each individual’s assets and income remain separate.
Consequently, in the event of a divorce, each spouse retains their respective assets, and there is no obligation to divide property acquired individually.
To determine the applicable matrimonial property regime would depend on a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
In the absence of such an agreement, the default regime is determined by regional laws, which can vary across Spain.
For instance, in regions like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, the default is often ‘Separación de Bienes,’ while in others, ‘Sociedad de Gananciales’ may apply.
In this case, ultimately, Guardiola will forfeit half of his net worth to Cristina should a divorce happen.
Despite the financial stakes, Guardiola and Serra’s split has been described as “friendly.”
The couple reportedly spent the recent Christmas holidays together, though tensions remained.
It has also been suggested that both parties are open to reconciliation in the future, leaving the door ajar for a potential reunion.
