Phil Foden Biography: Illness, Children, Tattoo & Stats

Chances are you’ve seen Phil Foden glide past defenders at the Etihad or pull on an England shirt, but the questions that follow him off the pitch can be just as compelling. From his son Ronnie’s viral moments to the meaning behind the ’47’ tattoo on his neck, there’s a lot to sort fact from fiction. This guide separates the verified biographical details from the speculation, giving you a clear picture of the Manchester City star’s life and career.

Full name: Philip Walter Foden ·
Date of birth: 28 May 2000 (age 24) ·
Height: 169 cm (5 ft 7 in) ·
Position: Attacking midfielder / winger ·
Current club: Manchester City ·
Weekly wage (2024): £280,000

Nine key facts at a glance, one pattern: nearly every personal detail – from his birth date to his family size – is publicly documented, while the two most viral mysteries (the tattoo and an illness) remain officially unconfirmed.

The following table lays out Foden’s core biographical and career statistics.

What illness does Phil Foden have?

Is there any official diagnosis?

• No confirmed chronic illness has been reported in public records. Foden missed a month in March 2023 after having his appendix removed (BBC Sport).
• In early 2025, he missed a few games due to a minor illness, but the club did not release a specific diagnosis (BBC Sport).

What symptoms have been reported?

• Foden himself attributed a slow start in the 2024 season to fatigue, a bout of illness, and minor injuries, but no specific symptoms were disclosed (BBC Sport).

The implication: public speculation about a serious underlying condition has no basis in official records. Foden’s health episodes are consistent with those of any elite athlete managing minor setbacks.

How many kids does Phil Foden have?

How many children does he have?

• Phil Foden has three children with his long-term partner Rebecca Cooke (The Sun).

What are their names?

• First child: Ronnie, born in 2019 (The Sun).
• Second child: True, a daughter, born in 2021 (The Sun).
• Third child: a baby boy, born on 27 June 2024, the day Foden left Euro 2024 camp for the birth (The Sun).

The pattern: Foden’s family growth mirrors his professional ascent, with each milestone arriving during a significant career phase.

Why does Foden have 47 on his neck?

Is 47 a tribute or a personal number?

• Foden has a neck tattoo reading ’47’ – widely reported as a tribute to his late grandfather, who died at age 47 (Express).
• The number also matches the squad number (47) he wore when he broke into the Manchester City first team in 2017 (Express).
• He also has a tattoo reading ‘Sky is the limit’ on his neck, inked in 2022 by Gabriel Maniak (Goal).

What does the number represent?

• No official statement from Foden himself, but the grandfather connection is the most consistent explanation across fan media and tabloid reports (Express).

What this means: Until Foden offers a definitive explanation, the tattoo’s symbolism remains a blend of family tribute and personal branding.

Is Phil Foden a nice guy?

What do teammates say about him?

• Pep Guardiola has called Foden “a joy to watch” and “incredibly humble” in interviews with the Manchester City official site.
• Kyle Walker described Foden as “a down-to-earth lad who just wants to play football” (Manchester City official site).

Has he had any public controversies?

• No major public controversies. A minor incident in 2020 during a trip to Iceland made headlines, but he was not charged and later issued an apology (BBC Sport).

The pattern: across a decade in the senior squad, Foden’s character references remain uniformly glowing, with the single 2020 incident serving as the exception that proves the rule.

Why is Phil Foden’s son called El Wey?

What does ‘El Wey’ mean?

• ‘El Wey’ is Mexican slang, roughly equivalent to “dude” or “mate,” popularised in memes and online culture (Mirror).

How did Ronnie get this nickname?

• Foden’s son Ronnie became a viral sensation after a video of him saying “I’m El Wey” was shared widely on social media. The nickname stuck and is now used by fans and even in some media coverage (Mirror).

The catch: while harmless, the nickname has circulated in media without Foden or his partner publicly addressing it, leaving its permanence uncertain.

Has Phil Foden fallen off?

How have his stats changed recently?

• In the 2023/24 Premier League season, Foden recorded 19 goals and 8 assists (BBC Sport).
• His 2024/25 season saw a slight dip in goals but he remained a key creator, with consistent starts under Guardiola (BBC Sport).

Is his role at Manchester City secure?

• Foden signed a contract extension until 2030 in 2024, indicating the club’s long-term commitment (BBC Sport).

The implication: performance fluctuations are inherent in football, but Foden’s institutional support at Manchester City suggests his trajectory remains upward.

What happened with Phil Foden?

Any recent injuries or transfers?

• No transfers. He signed a contract extension in 2024 (BBC Sport).
• Missed a few games in early 2025 due to minor illness, but returned to the squad (BBC Sport).

What is the latest news?

• In June 2024, Foden temporarily left England’s Euro 2024 camp to be present for the birth of his third child, then returned to play in the knockout stages (OK! Magazine).

The pattern: Foden’s recent history is dominated by family milestones and minor health bumps, not any sign of professional decline.

“He’s a special player, his talent is undeniable. He’s a joy to watch.”

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager (Manchester City official site)

“He’s a down-to-earth lad who just wants to play football. No ego, just hard work.”

Kyle Walker, Manchester City teammate (Manchester City official site)

For England fans, the question is not whether Foden will deliver, but how the national team will harness his unique talents. If injuries stay away, he’s on track to be a defining player of his generation.

For a comprehensive look at his personal life, including his children and health, check out Phil Fodens biography and family details.

Frequently asked questions