Generational talents are exceptional players who dominate the scene of their respective sport for a long period. Philip Walter Foden has been one of Pep Guardiola’s favorites and is destined to carve his name into this category of footballing greats. This is the biography of Manchester City’s own, “Sniper” Phil Foden.
Early Life
Phil Foden was born on 28th May 2000 in the outskirts of Stockport, United Kingdom. Born into a middle-class family, his parents Claire Foden (Mother) and Phil Foden Snr (Father) were avid Manchester City fans themselves. Their unwavering passion for ‘The Cityzens’ became the predominant influence in shaping Foden’s future.
Phil Foden spent his earliest years at Edgeley, a Stockport suburb alongside his sister, Maisie Foden who is probably 1 or 2 years younger than him. Further information about his sister is yet to be disclosed.
A childhood picture of Phil Foden and his sister, Maisie
Information relating to Foden’s brothers Callum and Logan is still yet to be disclosed.
Commencing his football career with Manchester City at the tender age of 9, Foden showcased a deep-rooted admiration for the club from a young age. He used to illustrate his unwavering commitment by consistently wearing the full Manchester City kit to the Etihad during matches with his mum.
Phil Foden showcasing his support for Man City early in his life
Education
Though Phil was destined to become a footballer, his parents never compromised his academics. They wanted to make sure he got his proper education alongside his football career. So, Foden was privately schooled at St Bede’s College which is located in Whalley Range, Manchester, England. His consistent achievements and sky-high potential led Man City to award him with a scholarship where the club would pay all of his tuition fees.
From Ball Boy to Team Starter
Phil Foden was pictured on the sidelines as a ball boy before his playing years. His story with Manchester City is no short of a fairytale ending. The 23-year-old is one of many other footballers who began their career as ball boys.
Foden’s first teenage sporting success came in 2015 when he played a major role in City’s youth side to win the prestigious Neon Cup where he was awarded the ‘Best Player of The Tournament’ award. This marked the inception of a promising career.
Phil began climbing the youth ranks and impressed his team so much that Man City even sacrificed one of their exotic cars (a Limousine) so that young Phil and his teammates could have their end-of-season presentation with spectators.
Foden continued his thriving legacy after joining Manchester City’s first team. He scored his first senior goal against Oxford United in the 2018 Carabao Cup which was assisted by ex-teammate Raheem Sterling.
As of today, he has already scored 74 goals and provided 50 assists in 251 appearances for the Citizens.
His current manager at Man City, Pep Guardiola heaped praise on him.
“He is the most talented player I have ever seen.”
“The best is Messi. I didn’t meet [Lionel] Messi at 17 years old when I met Phil [Foden], and at that age, I’ve never seen a player with this potential.”
National Team
Phil Foden made his debut for the England national team on September 5th, 2020 when he was just a 20-year-old boy. As of today, the Englishman has made 31 appearances for Gareth Southgate’s England and also managed to get his name on the scoresheet in England’s 3-0 win over Wales in the 2022 World Cup.
Phil Foden celebrating his first World Cup goal with Real Madrid Star, Jude Bellingham
Foden’s Girlfriend
Phil has a long-time girlfriend, Rebecca Cooke. Their love story goes way back to high school when they grew up together. The couple now have two children, Ronnie Foden (son) who was born in 2019 when Cooke was only 18, and Foden Walker (daughter) who was born in 2021.
Son
Phil Foden has a son Ronnie Foden who goes by the name ‘El Wey’ and is known for his infectious celebrations and photobombs which have already made the 5-year-old a fan favourite. El Wey managed to gain a massive 1 Million Instagram followers in just 15 hours of his first post. He currently has 3.7m followers and shares pictures of his family and his lifestyle.
He was famously seen on the pitch celebrating City’s Champions League triumph with the likes of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kyle Walker, and many more. Fans even joke around that the 4-year-old has touched a Champions League Trophy before stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe.
Here is a short compilation of El Wey’s adorable moments.
Lifestyle
Foden currently earns a whopping £225,000 per week which equates to a £11,700,000 annual salary. The treble winner owns a £2 million home for himself and his family. The England playmaker has been seen driving many luxurious cars including a Limousine which Man City gifted. He also owns a Mercedes-Benz S Class, Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Toyota Velfire.
Phil’s life revolves around football and his family. He constantly uploads pictures of him on his match days or when he is on holiday with his girlfriend and children.
Controversies:
Argument with Girlfriend
Phil Foden and his girlfriend, Rebecca Cooke got into a heated argument when they were on vacation in Corfu. An onlooker had videotaped the scuffle between the couple where Rebecca was seen shouting at Phil saying,
“We can’t take you anywhere, this always happens”
She also yelled, “Do you think I’m a d***head?” to which the Man City star did not respond.
Breaking COVID-19 Isolation Protocols
Phil Foden was dismissed from the England team in 2020 for allegedly breaking COVID-19 isolation protocols alongside his England teammate Mason Greenwood. He issued a public apology to England manager Gareth Southgate, his teammates, staff, supporters, his club, and his family in a lengthy Twitter post.
Scuffle with Ben White
Foden was seen in a heated clash with England teammate Ben White after full-time in Manchester City’s 4-1 thumping over Arsenal on 26th April 2023. White grabbed Foden by the collar of the neck and the City Star pushed him away. The real reason for the scuffle is still unknown leaving a strange feeling amongst England supporters.
Trivia/FAQs –
What World Record does Foden hold?
- Foden holds the Guinness World Record of the “Youngest Football Player to Win the Premier League” as he was a part of City’s 2017/18 league-winning side at the age of 17.
What is Foden’s religion?
- Foden is a Christian brought up in a Catholic family which explains why he attended St Bede’s Roman Catholic co-educational school.
What is Foden’s favorite hobby?
- Foden has shared his love for fishing on his social media posts. He usually goes fishing with his friends and has uploaded many pictures of him and his rare hobby.
At what age did Foden join Manchester City?
- Foden joined the Citizens at the age of 4.
Why does Foden wear the Number 47 shirt?
- Foden’s grandfather Ronnie passed away at the age of 47. So as a form of respect and tribute, the England international wears the number 47 shirt.
