Philip Walter Foden, born on May 28, 2000, is a talented English footballer specializing in the midfield position. He currently plays for the Premier League club Manchester City and is a key member of the England national team.
Foden’s entry into the professional football scene occurred in 2017 when he earned recognition by clinching the FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball award, a testament to his outstanding performance in England’s victorious Under-17 World Cup campaign. His debut for Manchester City took place in the same year, and he further solidified his rising status in December by being honored with the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
Having represented England at various youth levels, Foden made his mark on the senior team in September 2020. His notable contributions continued as he became part of the England squads for both the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Early Life of Phil Foden
Apart from being a devoted Manchester City supporter, Philip Foden became integrated into the club’s system at a remarkably young age—joining at just four years old and officially enrolling as a youth academy player at nine.
From early on, it was evident that Foden possessed a unique talent for football. His journey with the club began at the age of four, and he formalized his commitment by signing his Academy scholarship in July 2016. His education at St Bede’s College was financially supported by Manchester City.
Jim Cassell, the former City youth director, expressed his amazement at Foden’s exceptional ball control and body movement, describing these abilities as “rather unusual for someone of his age.” Despite significant changes occurring at the club due to the Abu Dhabi Group takeover, Foden demonstrated unwavering faith in City’s system. In contrast to players like Jadon Sancho who sought opportunities elsewhere, Foden remained steadfast, rejecting offers from other clubs. He continued to work diligently to realize his dream of playing for his favorite team.
Also Read: Manchester City: Players, History, Records, Achievements, and Future Goals
Clubs: The Footballing Journey
Manchester City
2017–18
In the 2017–18 season, Philip Foden made a significant impact on Manchester City’s squad. After initially appearing on the bench, he debuted on November 21, 2017, becoming the fourth-youngest English player in the Champions League at 17 years and 177 days. Foden further etched his name in history on December 6, starting a Champions League match at the age of 17 years and 192 days, breaking the previous record. However, this record was later surpassed by Jude Bellingham in October 2020. Foden also became the first player born in the year 2000 to start a Champions League match. His Premier League debut occurred on December 16, 2017, as a substitute in a 4–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
In the 2018 EFL Cup final, Foden played a crucial role as a late substitute, contributing to City’s 3–0 victory against Arsenal. He broke Kieran Richardson’s record by becoming the youngest English player to start in a Champions League knockout match, achieving this at the age of 17 years and 283 days. Foden received a Premier League winner’s medal on May 13, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat.
2018–19
Moving into the 2018–19 season, Foden continued to shine. He played in City’s starting line-up for the 2018 FA Community Shield, securing a 2–0 victory over Chelsea. On September 25, 2018, he provided an assist and scored his first senior goal in a 3–0 EFL Cup win against Oxford United. Foden’s contributions extended to the FA Cup and the EFL Cup semi-finals, where he scored goals against Rotherham United and Burton Albion, respectively. He also scored his first Champions League goal during a 7–0 victory over Schalke.
Foden’s remarkable season continued as he scored his first Premier League goal in a 1–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on April 20, 2019. As part of the squad, he played a key role in Manchester City’s historic domestic sweep of all trophies that season. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his confidence in Foden, expecting him to be a vital player for the club in the coming years.
2019–20
During the 2019–20 season, Philip Foden continued to showcase his prowess on the football field. He commenced the season by contributing to Manchester City’s victory in the 2019 Community Shield against Liverpool. Foden scored in the penalty shoot-out, securing his seventh honor. Throughout the Premier League and Champions League, he demonstrated his playmaking abilities, scoring crucial goals, including his first of the season against Dinamo Zagreb.
Foden’s impact grew as the season progressed. He made significant contributions in the EFL Cup final, earning his sixth major honor and being named the youngest recipient of the Alan Hardaker Trophy. As the Premier League resumed post the COVID-19 pandemic, Foden displayed his scoring prowess against Arsenal and Burnley, securing consecutive league victories. Despite finishing the season in second place, Foden’s performances garnered attention as he became a key player, particularly with the departure of his idol, David Silva. The season concluded with Phil Foden’s stats, having played 38 games and registering 8 goals and 9 assists across all competitions
2020–21
In the 2020–21 season, Phil Foden continued to shine for Manchester City. He began the season impressively, scoring in a 3–1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening matchday of the Premier League. Foden showcased his versatility by scoring crucial goals in various competitions, including the Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in securing City’s progress to the quarter-finals.
Notable performances included a goal and assist in a 4–1 win over Liverpool, contributing to City’s first victory at Anfield since 2003. Foden’s impact extended to the Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, helping City reach the last four. He received the man of the match award in a 2–1 victory against Aston Villa, securing City’s 11-point lead at the top of the table. Foden played a key role in City’s triumph in the 2021 EFL Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur and their journey to the Champions League final. Although City lost to Chelsea, Foden’s outstanding season earned him accolades, including the Premier League Young Player of the Season and a place in the Champions League Squad of the Season.
2021–22
In the 2021–22 season, Phil Foden faced an initial setback, missing the start of the Premier League due to injury. However, upon his return, he made a significant impact, scoring in a 2–2 draw against Liverpool and showcasing his brilliance in various competitions. Notable performances included a stellar display in the EFL Cup with a goal, two assists, and the Man of the Match award in a 6–1 victory against Wycombe Wanderers.
Foden’s goal-scoring prowess continued with notable contributions in Premier League wins against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. He scored crucial goals in the Champions League, including a brace against Sporting CP and a notable goal in the semi-final victory against Real Madrid. Foden played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League title win, notably in the comeback against Aston Villa on the final day. His impressive season, featuring 14 goals, earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award and a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
The Present (2022-23-24)
As of 2022, Phil Foden achieved a significant milestone on October 2, scoring his inaugural career hat-trick in a notable 6–3 victory against Manchester United at home. Additionally, on October 14, 2022, Foden committed to extending his stay at Manchester City by signing a three-year contract extension, ensuring his presence at the club until 2027.
Phil Foden’s Family & Personal Life
Born on May 28, 2000, in Stockport, England, Phil Foden hails from a family deeply rooted in football. Phil Foden’s father, Phil Senior, was previously engaged as a semi-professional footballer, and his mother, Claire Foden, contributed to fostering his passion for the sport.
Growing up in a household where football was a prominent presence, Phil’s early inspiration to pursue the game stemmed from his family’s enthusiasm. His father played a pivotal role in his football development, acting not only as a parent but also as his coach and mentor.
Maintaining strong ties with his parents, Phil expresses gratitude to them for their support and guidance, attributing much of his success in football to their influence.
Phil Foden’s biography reveals that he has been in a long-term relationship with Rebecca Cooke, who is the mother of their two children – a son born in 2019 and a daughter born in 2021. Phil Foden’s son’s name is Ronnie. The name of Phil Foden’s daughter has not been revealed yet.
Rebecca, Phil Foden’s wife, currently 22 years old, values her privacy and has kept details about her family life under wraps. Besides having a younger sister named Skylah, not much is known about her personal background. It is uncertain whether she pursued higher education due to becoming a mother at a young age.
Rebecca’s career and source of income remain undisclosed, with the possibility that she plays a central role in managing their home and family, given they already have two children.
The exact details of how and when Foden and Rebecca first met are unclear, but they likely began their relationship during Foden’s high school years in 2015. Their connection deepened over time, leading to a serious relationship, and they have been inseparable since.
Their journey has had its share of challenges, including a controversial incident in September 2020 when Foden, along with another football player, was seen socializing with unidentified individuals during an England team tour. This led to both players being sidelined for the next match by coach Gareth Southgate.
In June 2022, a public disagreement between Foden and Rebecca surfaced, captured on video, where Rebecca allegedly discovered another girl’s message on Foden’s phone while he was swimming in the ocean.
Despite facing challenges at a young age, Foden and Rebecca have matured over the years, demonstrating responsibility as parents to their growing family.
Net Worth of Phil Foden
At just 23 years old, Phil Foden stands as a rising star in the world of football, particularly as a key member of the flourishing Manchester City team. With a current net worth of approximately £10 million, equivalent to around $12 million, Foden’s financial success reflects the remarkable achievements he has garnered in a relatively short period.
His wealth is primarily derived from his illustrious career with Manchester City, the club where he has exclusively played, progressing through their youth ranks. Foden’s status as a regular player in the England national team adds an extra layer of endorsement opportunities and credibility to his name.
Earning a substantial £225,000 per week (Phil Foden Net Worth) at Manchester City, Foden’s annual gross income reaches an impressive £11,700,000. Beyond his playing contract, Foden’s image rights alone contributed £2 million in a single year, as reported by his company Rondog Sports Limited in 2020.
With his current contract at Manchester City set to conclude in 2027, Foden is poised to earn a staggering £58,500,000 in gross salary over the remaining years. This financial success positions the Stockport-born talent as not only secure for life but also anticipates further increases in his earnings in the years to come.
Career and Stats:
Club:
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
| Manchester City | 2017-2018 | 10 | 0 |
| 2018-2019 | 26 | 7 | |
| 2019-2020 | 38 | 8 | |
| 2020-2021 | 50 | 16 | |
| 2021-2022 | 45 | 14 | |
| 2022-2023 | 48 | 15 | |
| 2023-2024 | 18 | 5 | |
| Total | 2017-24 | 235 | 65 |
International:
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| England | 2020 | 3 | 2 |
| 2021 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 2020-23 | 31 | 4 |
Phil Foden, the talented English midfielder, has enjoyed a remarkable career with Manchester City, contributing to their substantial trophy haul. In the Premier League, he played a crucial role in their successes during the 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23 seasons. Foden has also secured FA Cup victories in 2018–19 and 2022–23, along with EFL Cup triumphs in 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21. His contributions extend to the FA Community Shield in 2018 and 2019. In the UEFA Champions League, Foden celebrated victory in the 2022–23 season and experienced the runner-up position in 2020–21. His honors include the UEFA Super Cup in 2023.
On the international stage, Foden played a pivotal role in England’s U17 team, securing the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 and reaching the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final in the same year. With the senior England team, he was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the UEFA European Championship in 2020.
Foden’s individual accolades showcase his exceptional talent, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball in 2017, recognition in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament, and prestigious awards such as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2017. His achievements extend to domestic honors, with recognitions like the Premier League Young Player of the Season in 2020–21 and 2021–22, as well as winning the PFA Young Player of the Year for the same periods. Nike sponsors Phil Foden football boots.
Phil Foden Injury
Manchester City has encountered a significant setback as a result of Phil Foden’s injury. The 21-year-old couldn’t play for a few weeks last month because of a hurt ankle. He also missed the beginning of the Premier League season because he hurt his foot during the European Championship in the summer.