Phil Foden grew up a few miles from the Etihad Stadium, in Stockport, and joined Manchester City’s academy as a child. Pep Guardiola said early on that Foden was the most talented player he had seen, and the prediction proved accurate.
Foden won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, being named player of the tournament, and made his City debut the same year. He went on to win six Premier League titles with the club and the 2023 Champions League as part of the treble. In 2023/24 he was named Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year.
A left-footed attacking midfielder, Foden can play centrally or from either wing. He is at his most dangerous receiving in tight spaces around the box, where his close control and finishing make him one of England’s key attacking players.
Playing style
Foden is a left-footed attacking midfielder with outstanding close control. He is at his best receiving the ball in tight spaces around the penalty area, where his first touch and quick feet allow him to shoot or combine. He can play centrally, on the left or on the right, and Guardiola has used him in almost every attacking role. He finishes well from close range and distance, and his work rate out of possession is high. His ability to glide through crowded areas has drawn comparisons with David Silva.
International career
Foden starred as England won the 2017 Under-17 World Cup, being named player of the tournament. He made his senior debut in 2020 and has played at Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Although he has sometimes struggled to reproduce his club form in an England shirt, he remains one of the country’s most important players.
Career in numbers
Across 10 seasons of senior club football, beginning in 2017/18, Foden has played 375 matches and scored 110 goals for Manchester City. His best scoring return came in 2023/24: 27 goals in 53 appearances for Manchester City. So far in 2026/27 he has made 6 appearances for Manchester City. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.