Manchester City mourn Guy Bradshaw as they expressed deep sorrow following the death of the lifelong supporter, who passed away in Spain just hours before the club’s Champions League fixture against Villarreal.
The Premier League side, who secured a 2-0 victory over the La Liga outfit at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday night, released a heartfelt statement confirming the tragic loss. The club’s message has since drawn an outpouring of sympathy from fans across the football community.
Posting on X, Manchester City wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guy Bradshaw, a City supporter who tragically died in Spain before the Club’s match against Villarreal last night.
“Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time.
“Once a Blue, Always a Blue.”
Manchester City mourn Guy Bradshaw a few hours after celebrating another strong performance in Europe, with goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva ensuring a comfortable win that lifted Pep Guardiola’s men to fifth in their Champions League group.
Yet, the evening’s success on the pitch was overshadowed by the news of Bradshaw’s untimely death, which left supporters devastated.
A Lifelong Fan Remembered
Guy Bradshaw, from Wythenshawe, was described by friends and family as a passionate supporter who lived and breathed Manchester City. He had travelled to Spain with friends and was staying in Benidorm ahead of the club’s midweek fixture.
According to Manchester Evening News, he was found unresponsive in his bed during the early hours of Tuesday morning by a friend at the apartment where they were lodging.
Although the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed, Bradshaw’s cousin, Jess Bradshaw, 26, said the family had been informed that there were “no suspicious circumstances.”
The shocking news came as a devastating blow to those close to him, many of whom recalled how excited he had been to watch his team play abroad.
Just a few hours before his passing, Bradshaw had shared a light-hearted moment on social media, singing “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” alongside Campbell Hatton, the son of the British boxing legend. The clip has since been widely shared by fans paying tribute to his memory.
Jess spoke of the family’s heartbreak and the challenges they now face in bringing Guy’s body home to Manchester. She explained that the trip had been booked at short notice and that he did not have travel insurance, leaving loved ones to shoulder the significant costs of repatriation.
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In the wake of his death, a close friend of Bradshaw launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his return to the UK and to support his young daughter, Ava. The page aims to ensure, as the organiser put it, that Bradshaw receives the send-off he deserves and to show his family just how many lives he touched.
Many have taken to social media to share messages of condolence, recounting fond memories and celebrating his unwavering loyalty to the club
Outpouring of Support from Fans
News of Bradshaw’s passing has deeply affected the Manchester City fanbase, with many supporters calling him “a true Blue.” Messages of sympathy have flooded online forums, fan pages, and social media, with tributes highlighting his long-standing passion for the team.
The club’s players and officials have also been made aware of the loss, with several staff members sharing the club’s post to express solidarity with Bradshaw’s loved ones.
Though Manchester City’s victory over Villarreal added to their growing momentum in Europe, the squad’s mood was one of reflection as they learned of the supporter’s death.
The GoFundMe appeal continues to gather support, with donations expected to help cover repatriation costs and provide for Ava in the months ahead.
