Manchester City were in Spain on a bright Champions League night, chasing another victory that would keep them among Europe’s elite. But before the whistle even sounded at the Estadio de la Ceramica, the City family was struck by deep tragedy. News broke that a lifelong supporter, Guy Bradshaw, had suddenly passed away before the match against Villarreal. It was a heartbreaking moment that cast a dark shadow over what should have been another night of celebration for the Manchester club. The team went on to win 2–0 through goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva, but the result meant little compared to the loss that hit so close to home for every fan wearing the blue shirt.
The club confirmed the sad news with a statement posted across their official social media accounts. In the post, City expressed how “deeply saddened” they were by Guy’s passing, offering heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire fanbase. “Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time,” the statement read. “Once a Blue, Always a Blue.” It was a message that summed up exactly what Guy Bradshaw represented — loyalty, passion, and an unbreakable connection to Manchester City.
Guy Bradshaw was not just any supporter. He was a man who lived for the badge. From Wythenshawe, Manchester, he had followed the club for as long as he could remember. Friends said he was the kind of fan who would plan his year around fixtures, who would save for months just to travel and watch his beloved City play away from home. This time, he had made the trip to Spain, like hundreds of others, with excitement in his heart. He had spent days in Benidorm with friends, talking football, sharing laughs, and preparing for the big game. Nobody could have predicted that his journey would end so suddenly, so far from home.
The cause of his death has not been made public, and for now, what matters most to those who knew him is the memory he left behind. A GoFundMe page was quickly set up by one of his close friends, a touching gesture that aimed to raise funds to give him “the send-off he deserves.” But it wasn’t just about the funeral; it was also about his daughter, Ava. The page’s creator wrote emotional words that captured who Guy truly was — a father before anything else. “Guy was a devoted dad. His beautiful daughter Ava was his absolute world. He spoke about her with so much pride and love, and their bond was something truly special.” Those words brought tears to the eyes of anyone who read them.
Within hours, hundreds of donations began pouring in. Fans, friends, and even strangers contributed whatever they could — some £10, some £100 — all wanting to show solidarity and love for a fellow City supporter who had passed far too soon. By the following morning, over £5,700 had been raised toward the £10,000 goal. Many of the donors left personal messages, calling him “a true Blue,” “a great lad,” and “a man who never stopped smiling.” It became clear that Guy Bradshaw was not only loved but admired for his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering faith in the club through every high and low.
The timing of his death hit particularly hard. Manchester City have been on an incredible journey under Pep Guardiola — a golden era filled with trophies, records, and unforgettable moments. For lifelong supporters like Guy, it has been a dream come true to witness their club rise to the top of world football. To think that his final days were spent doing what he loved most — following City abroad — brings some comfort to those who knew him. He lived his life the way he wanted, cheering for the team he loved with all his heart.
Inside the stadium, before kickoff, word of the tragedy began to spread among fans. There was a subdued mood in sections of the away end, with many supporters sharing stories about Guy. Some knew him personally, others only recognized his name from social media fan groups or matchday meet-ups in Manchester, but all felt the same pain. The chants that night were loud as ever, but every song carried an extra layer of emotion. “Blue Moon,” when sung, felt like a farewell. For City fans, football is a family, and when one of their own falls, they all feel it.
After the game, Pep Guardiola and his players were informed of the news. The victory, normally a cause for celebration, turned into a quiet reflection. The manager, known for his deep empathy, made sure the club handled the situation with sensitivity and class. Manchester City’s communication team, guided by the club’s strong values, immediately crafted the tribute message that was shared worldwide. It was simple, heartfelt, and powerful — exactly the kind of message a loyal fan like Guy deserved. “Once a Blue, Always a Blue” became more than a slogan that night; it became a promise that his memory would never fade from the club’s history.
In Wythenshawe, where Guy was from, neighbors and local fans began leaving scarves and flowers outside his home and at a nearby supporters’ pub. It was the same pub where he used to gather with friends before home games, where they sang and laughed for hours before making their way to the Etihad. People who had shared countless matchdays with him spoke about his endless optimism. Even in tough seasons, when City fell short in Europe or lost crucial games, Guy would always say, “Next one, lads. We go again.” That spirit of hope and loyalty defined him.
The GoFundMe page continued to gather attention throughout the week. Fans from rival clubs even began donating, leaving respectful notes that showed how football, despite all its rivalries, has a unique power to unite people in moments of grief. “From a United fan — rest easy mate. Football is nothing without the fans,” one wrote. Another message from a Liverpool supporter read, “Rivals on the pitch, brothers off it. Rest in peace Blue.” It was a rare but beautiful reminder that the game transcends colors and boundaries.
As tributes poured in, social media became a wall of love for Guy Bradshaw. The hashtag #OnceABlueAlwaysABlue began trending among City fans, filled with photos of Guy at matches, smiling in his sky-blue shirt, arms around friends, or holding a pint before kickoff. His joy for football was contagious, and many fans wrote that seeing his energy at away games made their own experiences better. “He was the kind of person who’d start singing when the team was losing just to lift everyone’s mood,” one wrote. Another added, “He never complained, he just loved being there, part of the journey.”
Manchester City’s players and staff are expected to pay their respects in the coming days. Sources close to the club suggest that a moment of silence or tribute may be organized before their next home game. The club has always treated its fans as the heartbeat of its success, and this case will be no different. For them, losing a supporter who had followed them across Europe is not something they take lightly. The Manchester City Supporters Club has also announced plans to honor Guy during their next gathering, possibly dedicating a banner in his name.
While football often brings joy and drama, moments like this remind everyone of its deeper meaning. It’s not just about goals or trophies; it’s about people, community, and shared memories. Guy’s story is one of love — love for a team, love for a daughter, love for life. He was doing what he loved most when tragedy struck, and while that makes it more painful, it also means his final moments were filled with purpose and passion. He will be remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived — as a loyal Blue who brought happiness to those around him.
As the Champions League campaign continues, every City fan who travels away will think of him. Every goal, every chant, and every win will carry his spirit. For Ava, his daughter, the GoFundMe campaign’s outpouring of love is a powerful message — that her father was admired by many, and that she will always have the support of an enormous football family. “He touched so many lives,” one friend wrote. “He’ll be watching from above every time City play.”
In the end, football is built on stories like Guy Bradshaw’s — stories of loyalty, emotion, and togetherness. They remind everyone why this sport matters so deeply. When Manchester City return to the Etihad, fans will no doubt hold their scarves high, perhaps even dedicate a chant in his name. Because for people like Guy, the game was never just 90 minutes. It was life itself.
And now, though he may be gone, the echo of his voice will live on in every song that rings around the stands. Once a Blue, always a Blue. Forever.
