Phil Foden was undoubtedly Manchester City’s top performer in the 2023-24 season. The dynamic attacking midfielder, capable of playing on both wings, was exceptional as the team claimed their fourth consecutive Premier League title. He rightfully earned the Premier League Player of the Season award for his remarkable displays.
Fans have seen him evolve from a talented young prospect to an international football sensation during his time with City’s senior team. Despite his rise to fame in global football, it might come as a surprise that the 24-year-old still wears the number 47 shirt.
A skilled player who performs roles similar to Foden typically wears the number 10 or 11 for their team, but he has never changed from number 47. There is a special reason for his decision to keep it, so let’s explore the significance behind this unusual shirt number.
Why Foden Chose Number 47
The touching reason behind his choice
According to talkSPORT, when Sergio Aguero left Manchester City in 2021, he offered Foden the number 10 shirt. Despite the temptation of following in the footsteps of the legendary striker, Foden chose to keep his original number.
Foden’s decision is deeply personal, as it serves as a tribute to his late grandfather, Ronnie, who tragically passed away at 47. By keeping the number, Foden honors his grandfather’s memory, ensuring he carries it with him wherever he plays.
Growing up in Manchester, Foden’s family was always likely to have connections to either City or United. Ronnie was a devoted City supporter, and this connection played a significant role.
The remarkable story of Foden’s rise with his childhood club is further strengthened by his unique choice of shirt number. Unlike the traditional number 10, Foden wears an unconventional number, and the talented midfielder shared his reasoning for not taking Aguero’s iconic number:
“I did consider it. The number 10 is significant at the club, but I have a personal connection to 47. I want to build my own legacy with that number.”
Similar to how Trent Alexander-Arnold made Liverpool’s No. 66 famous, Foden, one of the league’s brightest talents, is doing the same with his number. It wouldn’t be surprising if future young players who admire Foden choose to follow in his footsteps.
Foden does not wear the No. 47 jersey for England because squad numbers are more restricted at the international level. He wore No. 20 during Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, before changing to No. 11 for Euro 2024.
Foden’s Number 47 Tattoo
Alongside other significant tattoos, Foden has the number 47 inked behind his ear. This suggests that he is unlikely to want to change the number on his Manchester City shirt anytime soon.
Foden is undoubtedly an ambitious young talent, already boasting an impressive trophy collection. He has won the Premier League six times, the Champions League, and numerous domestic cups. At such an early stage in his career, no major club trophy has eluded him, with Manchester City also securing the European Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2023 to further enhance their remarkable list of achievements.
