Why does Phil Foden wear the number 47? Man City star turned down Sergio Aguero's shirt to stick with unusual digits

11/22/2024 06:25 AM

Phil Foden is a superstar for Manchester City, but he still opts to wear an unconventional number at his boyhood club.

The City midfielder, who won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season, continues to dazzle in his now iconic No.47.

The England international enjoyed a stellar 23/24 campaign for City, recording his best-ever goalscoring season in the Premier League.

And now he is looking to continue his incredible career so far by leading City to a record fifth-straight top-flight title.

Attacking midfielders such as Foden traditionally wear No.10.

However, Jack Grealish claimed those digits when he swapped Aston Villa for Man City in the summer of 2021.

So instead, Foden wears 47 and here’s why he dons the number…

Why does Foden wear number 47?

47 was Foden’s first shirt number at City and has worn it since his debut for the Citizens in 2017.

And the reason he has held onto the shirt is incredibly heartwarming and poignant.

Foden’s late grandfather Ronnie, passed away when he was just 47, and the England international uses his shirt as a constant tribute to his grandad.

Foden also has a tattoo of the number behind his right ear.

Ronnie was a huge City fan his whole life and would undoubtedly be extremely proud of his grandson’s achievements, considering he is just 24.

However, Foden has had the opportunity to change shirts but decided against it a few years ago.

Once it was announced that Sergio Aguero would depart the Etihad in 2021, the Argentine offered his number ten shirt to the local star.

But Foden turned it down because he wanted people to remember the number 47.

Speaking about Aguero’s offer in 2022, he said: “I did think about it.

“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.” 

And he is creating his own legacy at Man City, becoming a key cog in Guardiola’s system and starring for multiple seasons.

Foden has scored over 50 Premier League goals, and he continues to be a constant threat for the reigning champions.

After a slow start to the 24/25 campaign due to injuries and illness, he’s back in the fold and starring.

A fifth straight top-flight title would make history and to achieve that wearing the No.47 would mean a lot to Foden.