Why does Phil Foden wear number 47? The Manchester City star rejected Sergio Agüero's shirt to continue with unusual digits
Phil Foden is a Manchester City superstar, but he still chooses to wear an unconventional number at his boyhood club.
He City midfielder who won the PFA Player of the Year last season, he continues to dazzle with his now iconic number 47.
The England international enjoyed a stellar 23/24 campaign with City, recording his best scoring season in the Premier League.
And now he looks to continue his incredible career so far by leading City to a fifth consecutive top-flight title.
Attacking midfielders like Foden traditionally uses the number 10.
However, Jack Grealish claimed those digits when he exchanged Villa Aston for Man City in summer 2021.
So instead, Foden wears 47 and here's why he wears the number…
Why does Foden wear the number 47?
47 was Foden's first shirt number at City and he has worn it since his debut for the Citizens in 2017.
And the reason he held on to the shirt is incredibly touching and moving.
Foden's late grandfather Ronnie passed away when he was just 47, and the England international wears his shirt as a constant tribute to his grandfather.
Foden too has a number tattoo behind his right ear.
Ronnie was a huge City fan all his life and would no doubt be very proud of his grandson's achievements, considering he is only 24 years old.
However, Foden had the opportunity to change shirts but decided against it a few years ago.
Once it was announced that Sergio Aguero He would leave the Etihad in 2021, the Argentine offered his number ten shirt to the local star.
But Foden rejected it because he wanted people to remember the number 47.
Speaking about Aguero's offer in 2022, he said: “I thought about it.
“The ten shirt is a very big number in the club, but I like 47.
“I would like to create my own legacy and maintain that number.”
And he is creating his own legacy at Man City, becoming a key player in Guardiola's system and starring in several seasons.
Foden has scored over 50 goals in the Premier League and remains a constant threat for the reigning champions.
After a slow start to the 24/25 campaign due to injuries and illness, he is back in the fold and starring.
A fifth consecutive top flight title would make history and achieving it wearing the number 47 would mean a lot to Foden.