Phil Foden Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Phil Foden has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in English football. The Manchester City youth academy product is now a first-team regular for the Premier League champions under manager Pep Guardiola.
Foden possesses superb technical ability, close control, and vision. His small stature, low center of gravity, and twinkling feet have drawn comparisons to City legend David Silva. Foden has shown he can unlock defenses and create chances for teammates.
At just 22 years of age, Foden’s career is on an upward trajectory. He has already won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups with City. Foden was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022. He also starred for England in their run to the Euro 2020 final.
This article will explore Phil Foden’s background, career achievements, style of play, and personal life. It will analyze what makes him such a special talent.
Phil Foden’s Background
Phil Foden was born on May 28, 2000 in Stockport, England. He grew up supporting Manchester City along with his family.
Foden’s passion for football developed at a young age. He would play football whenever he could as a child. Foden practiced skills and took every opportunity to have a kickabout.
Foden attended St Bede’s College in Manchester. He combined his studies with developing his football skills. Foden played for Reddish Vulcans as a youth player before joining Manchester City.
Scouted by Manchester City
Foden’s immense potential was spotted early by Manchester City scouts. They recruited him to join City’s academy when Foden was just 4 years old.
Foden rose quickly through the youth ranks at City. He was playing u18 football at just 15 years old because coaches felt it was not challenging enough at lower age levels.
Foden was the star player on Manchester City’s u18 team that won the youth quadruple in 2016-17. This included the FA Youth Cup and Premier League U18 league titles.
Breakthrough Under Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola became Manchester City manager in 2016. He quickly identified Foden as an elite talent capable of becoming a first-team star.
Guardiola liked Foden’s technical quality, work ethic, and positional versatility. Foden made his Man City debut under Guardiola in 2017 as a 17-year-old.
Early Games and Learning from David Silva
Foden was eased into first-team action gradually by Guardiola. He made occasional substitute appearances and started cup games to gain experience.
Foden learned a lot from training and playing alongside Spanish playmaker David Silva. Silva helped mentor Foden and passed on his knowledge.
In the 2017-18 season, Foden made 5 appearances in Man City’s Premier League winning campaign. He gained his first medal aged just 18.
Becoming a First-Team Regular
The 2018-19 season was when Foden first broke through as a regular in the Manchester City first-team. He made 13 Premier League appearances, scoring 1 goal.
Foden started to display the dribbling skills, passing range, and flair that Manchester City fans came to adore. He helped City win the domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
In 2019-20, Foden further increased his importance to the team. He played 38 times in all competitions and developed a strong understanding with midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Foden was nominated for the 2019 Golden Boy award and named in the 2020 Golden Boy top 20 players list. It was clear he was one of the most exciting talents in European football.
Achievements and Honors
Despite his youth, Foden’s trophy cabinet is already full to the brim. His list of honors includes:
- 3 Premier League titles: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21
- 1 FA Cup: 2018-19
- 4 League Cups: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21
- 2 PFA Young Player of the Year: 2020–21, 2021–22
- Premier League Young Player of the Season: 2020–21
Foden was also instrumental in Manchester City’s run to the 2021 UEFA Champions League final. He scored in both legs of the quarter-final and semi-final.
For England, Foden was part of the squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2020. He has 10 caps and scored 2 goals for the senior national team so far.
Playing Style and Strengths
Foden’s standout quality is his technical ability. He has superb touch, close control, and dribbling skills.
Like David Silva before him, Foden is able to wriggle out of tight spaces with clever turns and feints. He can manipulate the ball in confined areas using both feet.
Foden’s low center of gravity helps him shift direction quickly to leave defenders unbalanced. This makes him very difficult to dispossess when dribbling.
Vision and Passing Range
Allied with his close control, Foden has excellent passing vision. He can thread accurate through balls to split defenses.
Foden is creative and inventive with his passing. He can open up spaces for teammates with clever one-touch flicks and backheels.
From central midfield or out wide, Foden contributes numerous assists. He can unlock defenses with a killer final ball.
Finishing Ability
For an attacking midfielder, Foden also has an impressive eye for goal. His finishing is composed and clinical when chances fall to him.
Foden aims to get into goalscoring positions around the box. He times his midfield runs well and can finish confidently with either foot.
Foden has developed his long shooting technique as well. He is capable of scoring spectacular goals from distance.
Work Rate and Tenacity
Despite his small stature at 5’7″, Foden works tirelessly when City don’t have the ball. He presses and harries opponents to win back possession.
Foden also has a steely determination and tenacity. He never hides and demands the ball even when City are struggling.
Foden’s work rate and drive to succeed are big reasons why Guardiola trusts him in big games. His mentality and focus belies his young age.
Tactical Intelligence and Versatility
Foden has excellent tactical intelligence for a young player. Guardiola trusts him to slot into various midfield, wing, and false nine roles.
He understands the principles of Guardiola’s system well. Foden times his forward runs and passing link-up play smartly depending on his position.
Foden adapts seamlessly whether City are dominating possession or playing on the counter-attack. He helps give Guardiola’s side important tactical flexibility.
England National Team Role
Foden’s club form earned him a call-up to England’s senior squad in September 2020 aged just 20. He made his debut against Iceland.
Initially, England manager Gareth Southgate used Foden sparingly. Southgate was reluctant to overburden the young midfielder with too much responsibility early on.
However, Foden’s impact from the bench impressed Southgate at Euro 2020. He scored in England’s 4-0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-finals.
Foden looks poised to become a starter for England in major tournaments going forward. His blend of flair, work rate, and dynamism could light up international football.
If Foden can maintain his steep development curve, he could potentially become a future England captain. Southgate has hailed Foden’s “outstanding character and temperament” despite his youth.
What Pep Guardiola Says About Phil Foden
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Phil Foden in the strongest possible terms. He has described Foden as the “most talented player” he has ever coached.
After Foden’s match-winning performance against Tottenham in 2021, Guardiola said:
“He is so special. But it’s not about that. It’s about he’s so aggressive without the ball. He helps us to defend and he didn’t make one mistake in the two games against Dortmund.”
Guardiola went on to compare Foden to club legends Colin Bell, David Silva, and Samir Nasri in terms of natural talent. But he says Foden’s work ethic sets him apart:
“He is another top-class player. He has everything to become one of the best players. I have the feeling that every game he plays he has the quality to make a difference.”
High praise indeed from one of the most successful coaches in football history. It demonstrates just how highly Guardiola rates Phil Foden’s current ability and future potential.
Playing Style Comparison
Foden’s skillset and playing style have drawn lofty comparisons with some of the Premier League and England’s greatest midfielders. Let’s examine some of the key similarities and differences.:
Conclusion
Phil Foden has rapidly developed into one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football. Despite being just 22 years old, he is already a key player for Manchester City and the England national team.
Foden’s sublime technique, close control, vision, work rate, and eye for goal have seen him shine under Pep Guardiola. He has been instrumental in City’s recent success, winning numerous trophies and plaudits along the way.
The sky is the limit for how good Foden can become. If he stays focused and grounded, he has the potential to be a future England captain and multiple Premier League and Champions League winner.
Foden is set to be a crucial figure for both club and country over the next decade. His journey so far has demonstrated he has the ability and mentality to become an all-time great English midfielder.
FAQs
What is Phil Foden’s net worth?
Phil Foden’s current net worth is estimated to be around £15 million. However, given his young age and massive potential, this figure is expected to rise considerably over the coming years as he signs big-money contract extensions with Manchester City.
How many trophies has Foden won with Manchester City?
Despite being just 22 years old, Foden has already won 3 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, and 4 League Cups during his young career so far at Manchester City. He was a key player in City’s run to the 2021 Champions League final.
Has Phil Foden ever played for England at a major tournament?
Yes, Foden was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad that made the final against Italy. He came off the bench to score in the 4-0 quarter-final demolition of Ukraine. Foden is now expected to be a starter for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
What number does Phil Foden wear for Man City and England?
Phil Foden wears the number 47 shirt for Manchester City. For England, he wears the number 20 shirt previously worn by club legend David Beckham.
What position does Foden play?
While mainly an attacking midfielder, Foden’s versatility allows him to play anywhere across the forward line. Pep Guardiola has used Foden on both wings, as a false 9, and in the number 10 role through the middle at Manchester City.
