Foden even rejected the No. 10 shirt in order to stick with 47 👕 Find out more 👇

Why Phil Foden Wears Number 47 and has Tattoo

There’s no doubt that Phil Foden was Manchester City’s standout performer during the 2023-24 season. The versatile attacking midfielder, who can also play on either wing, was sensational as the Citizens won their fourth Premier League title in a row. He deservedly sealed the Premier League’s coveted Player of the Season award for his outstanding performances.

Supporters have witnessed him blossom from promising wonderkid to global superstar over the course of his spell in Man City’s senior squad. It may surprise some that, despite his rise to prominence in world football, the 24-year-old continues to wear the number 47 shirt.

A talented player that fulfills similar roles to Foden would normally wear the number 10 or 11 shirt for their club, but he’s never made the switch away from 47. There’s a reason behind his choice to stick rather than twist, so let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind the unconventional shirt number.

Per talkSPORT, the number 10 shirt was offered to Foden by the departing Sergio Aguero when the Argentine forward left the club in 2021. However, even the lure of following in the iconic footsteps of the clinical striker wasn’t enough to convince the City ace to part company with his original number.

There’s a touching reason behind Foden’s number selection. It’s a lovely tribute to his late grandfather, Ronnie, who tragically passed away at the young age of 47. This ensures the memory of Ronnie can always be carried wherever the gracious footballer plays.