Everything you need to know about Manchester City's academy starlet Phil Foden.

Phil Foden is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Manchester City and the England national team. He was born on May 28, 2000, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England.

Foden joined the Manchester City youth academy at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks, impressing coaches with his technical skills and vision on the field. He made his first-team debut in November 2017, coming on as a late substitute in a Champions League game against Feyenoord.

Foden's breakthrough season came in 2019-20, when he made 38 appearances in all competitions and scored eight goals, helping Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.

Foden has also represented England at various youth levels, winning the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and the Under-19 European Championship in 2018. He made his senior debut for England in September 2020 and has since become a regular member of the England squad.

Here are 13 interesting facts about Foden that you absolutely need to know.

GettyCreating waves at youth level

Foden's talents were clear since his early youth days with England. He first made waves on the youth circuit during the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. England were crowned champions and Foden was named the tournament's best player. The following year, he helped England win the Under-19 European Championship.

His Golden Ball at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 helped him gain some widespread coverage in the media.

AdvertisementGettyNicknamed Ronnie by his family

Foden has multiple nicknames but has always been referred to as ‘Ronnie’ by his family. It was the nickname his nan suggested to avoid the confusion of sharing his dad’s name.

Manchester City teammate Benjamin Mendy has referred to Foden as ‘The Baby Shark’ many times on social media.

£2 million home at 18 years of age

His breakout brought him stardom and wealth but the youngster has always prioritised his family. At the age of just 18, Foden bought a £2 million home for himself and his family because he was determined to keep his close-knit family together, the Daily Mail reported in October 2018.

Foden moved his family from Edgeley in Stockport to Bramhall in south Manchester.

GettyA Citizen since the age of four

Foden joined the club at the age of four and signed his academy scholarship in July 2016. He progressed through the ranks at City and is now an important part of Pep Guardiola's side.

"I was at primary school and I heard there was a City coach coming in to train the year six kids, I was several years below them, but they didn’t see any potential in that age group so they asked, ‘Have you got any other players that might interest us?’ Our PE teacher told them about me, and the coach brought me to train on my own outside. He said he liked me, gave me his card to give to my parents and asked them to give him a call. Ever since that day, I’ve been at City," said Foden on how he got picked up by City (via FourFourTwo)