Phil Foden’s rise to stardom at Manchester City has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Stockport-born midfielder, once heralded as a prodigious talent, has blossomed into one of the world’s most dynamic and influential footballers under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Over the years, Foden’s dazzling performances on the pitch have earned him accolades, but it’s his unwavering loyalty to the No.47 shirt that has become one of his most defining traits.
While many players gravitate toward traditional or prestigious numbers, Foden has remained attached to the No.47 for reasons that go far beyond football. This number, which he has worn since breaking into Manchester City’s first team, carries profound personal significance and symbolizes his commitment to honoring his family legacy.
Why Does Phil Foden Wear the No.47?
For Foden, the No.47 shirt is much more than a squad number—it’s a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, Ronnie, who tragically passed away at the age of 47. By choosing to wear the number, Foden keeps his grandfather’s memory alive every time he steps onto the pitch. The connection runs so deep that Foden even tattooed the No.47 on the right side of his neck in 2023, making his dedication permanent.
Foden’s attachment to the No.47 was put to the test in 2021 when Manchester City offered him the chance to inherit the iconic No.10 jersey, previously worn by club legend Sergio Aguero. The opportunity to take on such a storied number might have tempted many players, but Foden remained steadfast. In his own words, he wanted to “create [his] own legacy” and felt a strong personal bond with the No.47 that he was unwilling to break.
“I did think about it,” Foden admitted. “The ten shirt is such a big number in the club, but I just have a thing with 47. I’d like to create my own legacy and keep that number.”
Since making his senior debut for Manchester City in November 2017, he has worn the No.47 with pride. The shirt has become synonymous with his meteoric rise and countless memorable moments, including the 2023/24 campaign, during which he won the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Foden’s Tattoo Tribute
In addition to wearing the No.47 on his back, he immortalized the number through a tattoo on his neck. The artwork, which became visible in 2023, sits on the right side of his neck and complements another tattoo on the left side that reads “sky is the limit.” Both pieces were designed by London-based tattoo artist Gabriel Maniak, who inked the motivational phrase on Foden in February 2022.
The No.47 tattoo is a deeply personal addition to his growing collection of body art and serves as a constant reminder of the family member who inspired him. It’s a symbol of his gratitude and humility, qualities that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Foden’s Journey with Shirt Numbers
Foden’s connection to the No.47 is unique, but his journey with shirt numbers has been varied across different teams and stages of his career. During his youth development at Manchester City, he alternated between numbers like 7, 10, and 80, eventually settling on the No.47 when he began training with the first team.
For the England national team, Foden has worn several numbers, including 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 20, and 21. Despite these changes, his association with the No.47 at Manchester City remains unshakable.
Iconic Numbers in Football: Foden and Beyond
Foden is part of a broader trend of players embracing unconventional numbers as symbols of personal identity or sentimental value. England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold has famously retained the No.66 jersey assigned to him during his Liverpool academy days, while Declan Rice continues to wear the No.41 he first donned at West Ham United, even after his high-profile move to Arsenal.
The trend of players creating personal connections with their shirt numbers isn’t new. David Beckham, one of England’s most iconic footballers, became synonymous with the No.7 at Manchester United before adopting the No.23 at Real Madrid and LA Galaxy. Beckham’s choice was inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, who wore the same number throughout his illustrious career.
In other cases, players have used unconventional numbers to make statements. Brazilian legend Ronaldo wore the No.99 at AC Milan after being unable to claim his preferred No.9 jersey, while Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano famously added a plus sign to his No.18 shirt at Inter Milan to signify his connection to the No.9.
Foden’s Legacy with No.47
Phil Foden’s loyalty to the No.47 reflects his grounded approach to fame and success. While he has achieved global recognition as one of the brightest talents in football, his decision to stick with a number that carries personal meaning sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. It highlights his desire to honor his roots and forge a legacy built on authenticity and emotional connection.
Under Guardiola’s mentorship, Foden has become a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success. His choice to retain the No.47 amid offers of more glamorous numbers demonstrates his maturity and focus on creating a legacy that feels true to himself.
Foden’s attachment to the No.47, combined with his extraordinary talent, ensures that the number will forever be associated with his name. It’s a testament to his humility and love for his family, serving as a reminder that even in a world of immense pressure and dazzling achievements, some things remain deeply personal.
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