HE is a definite shout for player of the season – and surely must be central to Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
Phil Foden has pushed on this campaign – scoring a remarkable 22 goals in all competitions.
His latest display against Aston Villa kept Manchester City in the title race – a sublime hat-trick earning a standing ovation from the home faithful.
A humble and modest lad from Stockport, Foden, 23, earns a dizzying salary of around £11.7million-per-year.
And although he spends his money wisely, it still affords him to lead a luxurious life away from the pitch.
Here is how Foden’s lifestyle plays out.
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His home
When Foden was just a teenager, he splashed the cash on a £2.8million home in Cheshire.
He bought it for his parents, and continued to live with them until 2021.
Then, he splashed around £3million on a mansion in upmarket Prestbury, just five minutes away.
The home features five bedrooms, and is in a village famous for where footballers live.
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Wayne Rooney used to live nearby, until he moved to a £20million mega-mansion nearby.
A source told The Sun back in 2022: “Phil loves living in Cheshire but felt it was time to fly the nest now he has two young children with his partner, Rebecca.
“It’s in his old neighbourhood so they feel very settled in already.”
The missus
Moving in with him was longterm missus, Rebecca Cooke – who is also the mother of his two children.
They reportedly met at a party when they were teenagers in Stockport.
She has since been spotted joining England’s Wags at tournaments including the Euros and World Cup.
Foden became a dad for the first time at the age 18, when he and Rebecca welcomed son Ronnie into the world.
Speaking of the magical moment to Man City’s website, he said: “I was there for the birth.
“I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.
“I’m not one for crying in front of people. I like to be on my own, but I was there in the room, watched it happen and it was a special moment.”
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In 2021, they added to their family with the birth of a daughter, whose name they have kept private.
Getting behind the wheel
On a mega salary, and having to compete with other Man City stars in the motor stakes, you could have been fooled into thinking Foden drives a flashy car.
But, that’s certainly not the case.
For Foden only passed his driving test back in December. He took to social media to confirm the news.
Posing behind a wheel with a Volkswagen logo on it with his thumb up in one hand and holding his practical driving test pass certificate in the other, the midfielder looked delighted.
The car he has been driving is the all-electric hatchback, the ID.3.
They can cost up to £40,000, comes with a 150kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, but it won’t compare in speed to the Lamborghinis or Ferraris decorating City’s training complex.
The ID.3 reaches 0-60mph in around 7.9 seconds, but only has a top speed of 99mph.
Perfect starter car, though, for a new driver.
Jewellery partnership
Although Foden has admitted in the past he was late to fashion and style, he has since dedicated himself to his own jewellery line.
In 2023, the Champions League winner teamed up with London-based brand Cernucci.
Inspired by a mix of hip hop, football and street culture, they have become a celebrity’s favourite.
Rapper Don Toliver, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and actor John Boyega are all fans.
Foden has already released two collections with the brand, which were shared in a glossy photoshoot.
Chains, rings, bracelets and earrings made from 18k gold and white gold plating, with 5A grade stones feature in the collection.
All are reasonably priced, with chains costing as little as £137.99 online.
Favourite hobby
When Foden likes to relax, he indulges in his favourite hobby.
It’s a passion the likes of Paul Gascoigne and David Seaman have also enjoyed, to take the minds away from the pressures of the game.
Fishing is the Stockport Iniesta’s favourite hobby.
Foden has even trekked to Spain, where he once caught a 130lb catfish.
“I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s and said we should go and try it out,” he recalled.
“I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch.
“It wasn’t very big, I was just learning, but it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.
“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and to spend time with my dad.
“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.
“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths…
“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch
“I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk