Manchester City have confirmed the tragic death of lifelong fan Guy Bradshaw, 35, who passed away in Spain just hours before the club’s Champions League clash with Villarreal. Tributes have poured in from friends, family, and the football community, while a GoFundMe campaign has raised over £20,000 to help repatriate his body and support his young daughter.
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Manchester City fan passes away in Spain before Champions League match
Manchester City supporters were left devastated following the tragic death of Guy Bradshaw, a 35-year-old lifelong fan, who passed away in Spain just hours before Pep Guardiola’s side took on Villarreal in the Champions League.
Bradshaw, a devoted father from Wythenshawe, had travelled to Benidorm with friends to enjoy a week of football and camaraderie ahead of the European fixture. According to reports, he was found unresponsive in his hotel bed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Spanish authorities confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, though the exact cause has yet to be determined.
Manchester City issue statement of condolence
The Premier League champions released an emotional statement expressing their sorrow at the news.
“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,” the club said. “Everyone at Manchester City sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time. Once a Blue, Always a Blue.”
The message quickly spread across social media, with City fans and rival supporters alike joining in to share condolences and support for Bradshaw’s family.
Family and friends lead heartfelt tributes
Bradshaw’s close friend Eddie Williamson, who organised a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of returning his body to the UK, described him as “the life and soul of every room.” The fundraiser, which has already raised more than £20,000, will also support his young daughter.
“Guy had travelled to Benidorm with his close friends to do what he loved most – watch Manchester City and enjoy some time surrounded by laughter, football, and friendship,” Williamson wrote. “No one could have imagined that this would end in such tragedy. He was having an amazing time just hours before his death, which adds to the huge shock and devastation we are all feeling. Guy was a big character with an even bigger heart.”
Local police confirmed they are working with Spanish authorities, stating:
“We are aware of the death of a man in Spain and we are currently working with Spanish authorities. The man’s family have been made aware and enquiries are ongoing.”
A sombre night in Spain
Despite the tragic news, Manchester City went on to claim a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games. Erling Haaland continued his scoring streak with a first-half strike — his 15th of the season — before Bernardo Silva doubled the lead with a header from a Savinho cross.
While the result maintained City’s dominance in the Champions League, celebrations were notably muted among travelling supporters, who dedicated the win to Bradshaw’s memory. Several fans in the away end were seen holding banners reading “Once a Blue, Always a Blue” as a mark of respect.
A community united in grief
Bradshaw’s death has resonated deeply within the Manchester City community, particularly among local supporters’ groups in the Wythenshawe and South Manchester areas. Plans are reportedly underway for a tribute at the Etihad Stadium in the club’s next home fixture, with fans expected to hold a minute’s applause in his honour.
His passing is a painful reminder of the close-knit nature of football fandom — where clubs, players, and fans unite not only in victory but also in tragedy.
