Neither coincidence nor superstition: the reason why Foden wears number 47 at Manchester City

Fifteen minutes remained in the game between Manchester City and Feyenoord on November 21, 2017, in the Champions League. With the score locked at 0–0, Phil Foden replaced Yaya Touré to strengthen the sky-blue attack. Ilkay Gündogan and Raheem Sterling combined with two minutes left, scoring the goal that secured the win for the Manchester side.

It was Foden’s debut with the first team.

The academy graduate’s name had been one of the first Pep Guardiola heard upon arriving in Manchester. At just 17 years old, the youngster already showed immense promise. They called him the Iniesta of Stockport. His milestones soon followed – his first Premier League game, his first start, his first goal, his first assist. Titles came as well, along with his debut for the England senior national team and appearances in European Championships and World Cups. He has played 47 games for his national side – curiously the same number he wears on the back of his Manchester City shirt. It is also the number tattooed on his neck, just beneath his right ear.

Ronnie and 47: special for Phil Foden

He has never changed it. Not even after establishing himself in Guardiola’s team and becoming one of its stars. Nor when Sergio Agüero left the Etihad in 2021, leaving the No. 10 shirt vacant. The No. 47 is not random, nor is it some kind of superstition. It is the age at which his grandfather Ronnie passed away. The number is a deeply personal tribute to his grandfather, who, like Phil himself, was a devoted Manchester City fan. Sadly, he never lived to see his grandson debut for the team he loved. The number is not the only tribute. Phil also chose to give his first son his grandfather’s name – Ronnie.

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