Phil Foden is in the midst of his best season as a professional, producing startling performances for Manchester City as they go in search of a second successive continental treble.
Still only 23, he already has five Premier League crowns to his name, two FA Cups and a Champions League, secured in Istanbul last June.
With every passing season the forward’s influence has grown in the team, to the point where there are now serious questions over whether City are better with him in the middle or Kevin De Bruyne.
Twenty-one goals in all competitions this term, 10 assists and countless other Cityzen strikes which he has contributed to all been celebrated with the number 47 on his back.
When asked why he didn’t take up the offer to be the club’s new number 10 when Sergio Aguero left in 2022, he said: ‘I’d like to create my own legacy and keep that number.’ But there is another reason for his selection.
Phil Foden is enjoying his best season as a professional with 31 goal contributions in all competitions
Foden has worn the number 47 since he came into the senior Manchester City under Pep Guardiola
The 23-year-old England international also has the digits tattooed on his neck
The England international’s grandfather, Ronnie, passed away at the age of 47 and Foden has opted to pay tribute to him by wearing the 47 shirt since he broke into Pep Guardiola’s side.
To go with his usual City number, Foden also chose to get the digits tattooed on his neck.
He’s one of a few young England stars donning previously unseen numbers for England’s biggest clubs. Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool wears the number 66, while Arsenal’s Declan Rice goes by the number 41.
On the international scene Foden has worn a range of squad numbers. Seven in total. None the 47.
His displays at the Etihad have raised fresh questions over where Gareth Southgate will deploy him at this summer’s European Championship in Germany. At least, it appears he has finally locked down a starting berth for the Three Lions.
Before June arrives he will try to fire City to a truly unprecedented feat, though they are currently the third runners in a three-horse race for the Premier League title.
After sitting out City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, he is expected to come back into the team for the mouth-watering Champions League against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
City then welcome Luton to the Etihad before the second-leg against the Spanish giants.
