Tragic reason why England star Phil Foden has 47 tattoo and shirt number

Phil Foden shared the emotional story behind why he decided to wear the No 47 jersey for Manchester City.

Currently representing England in Euro 2024, the 24 year old player has chosen to wear a unique number on his jersey when playing for his club.

Instead of choosing a common number like other players do when transitioning from the academy to the first team, Phil made the unique decision to stick with his original City number. This choice was influenced by the sentimental value it holds for him, as it is a tribute to his grandad who is a passionate City supporter.

"As a young player, your choices for what to have on your shirt are limited," he told the Daily Mail. "I was given a few numbers to choose from, but none of them had any significance to me except for 47."

"My grandad was that old when he passed away. I was still a kid when he died. I have memories of traveling to Wales with him and going on other trips together. My dad tells me that he really enjoyed playing soccer with me."

I talked to my dad about wearing that number and he said it would make him very happy. So, I decided to take the number and I have loved it ever since. I even got it tattooed on me now and I don't plan on ever changing it.

Creating a lasting impact is a wonderful feeling. It's unique, a number that no one else typically chooses, so my hope is that one day, when my time at City is over, the number 47 will be associated with Phil Foden.

Phil had the opportunity to wear the No 10 shirt after Sergio Aguero left City in 2021, but he decided to stay with 47 instead. Looking back on his choice in 2022, he explained: "I did consider it. The 10 shirt holds a lot of importance at the club, but 47 has a special meaning to me. I want to establish my own legacy and continue wearing that number."

Just a few days ago, Phil's partner Rebecca Cooke gave birth to the couple's third child. The news says that Rebecca, who is 22 years old, had a baby boy. They already have two children together - their son, Ronnie, who is five years old, and their daughter, True, who is one year old.

Phil had left the Euro 2024 camp in England to go back home for the birth of his child. The Football Association said on Wednesday, June 26, that he had left the team's training base at Spa and Golf Resort Weimarer Land to deal with an important family issue.