Unstoppable Man City duo listed in the 2024 SI Power List
By Kian Long
Sports Illustrated recently unveiled their definitive 2024 SI Power List. It features 50 of the most influential figures in sports from 2024, with two Man City stars featured.
Man City have had a pretty tremendous 2024. So, it's no surprise to see that in Sports Illustrated's recently collated 2024 SI Power List, two Man City candidates were listed.
The 2024 SI Power List was put together as a recognition to the 50 most influential figures in sports. Unlike some other lists, it does not differentiate between athletes or other prominent figures in the sport.
If they have authority or have influenced the sport in another manner, they will make the list.
So, for 2024, which two Man City representatives made the SI Power List?
Unstoppable Man City duo listed in the 2024 SI Power List
Striker Erling Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola were both featured in the 2024 SI Power List. Erling Haaland unsurprisingly won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season, while Pep Guardiola won his sixth Premier League title.
Within the list, Erling Haaland was impressively compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. SI claim that to reach those levels, Erling Haaland must win the Ballon d'Or and elevate his country like he's elevated Manchester City.
Without a doubt, Erling Haaland can feel a sense of pride to make the list. Even being mentioned within the same sentence as the two greatest footballers of all-time is an achievement.
Pep Guardiola's prominence in the sport is well-documented and he is no rookie. Interestingly, a large reason for Pep Guardiola's involvement in the 2024 SI Power List is due to his presence outside of Manchester.
Indeed, Sports Illustrated make the great point that Pep Guardiola's style is not only seen at Manchester City. Instead, he has former accomplices like Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Vincent Kompany spreading his tactical vision across Europe.
For Man City, this season will no doubt be clouded by the legal case going on against them. However, from Pep Guardiola's perspective, he will be focusing on the games in front of him only.
The timing of the SI Power List is quite prominent. After all, Man City prepare to host their main title contenders Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
Last season, Man City failed to beat Arsenal on two occasions but the Citizens ultimately lifted the Premier League title. It feels weird to say this early into the season, but this weekend's fixture is a potential title-decider.