Unfortunate Turn of Event as Many city Midfielder Foden’s Son .
In the glittering world of Premier League stardom, Manchester City’s Phil Foden is a midfield maestro, weaving magic on the pitch with the precision of a seasoned conductor. But back home in their sprawling £3 million Cheshire mansion, the 25-year-old England international faces a far tougher challenge: soothing the sulky sighs of his five-year-old son, Ronnie. The pint-sized influencer, affectionately dubbed “El Wey” by his 4.8 million Instagram followers, has been anything but his bubbly self lately. And the culprit? None other than his superstar dad.
It started innocently enough during the summer’s Euros heartbreak. As England fell to Spain in the final, cameras caught Ronnie’s face—a perfect mirror of national despair. Pouting beside mum Rebecca Cooke and little sister True, the toddler clutched a “Bring it home Daddy” sign like a wilted flag of defeat. His wide eyes brimmed with unspoken questions: Why didn’t Daddy score? Why couldn’t we win? Phil, ever the doting father, had described Ronnie’s 2019 birth as “life-changing,” shedding a tear outside the delivery room before striding back in like a champ. But now, the roles were reversed—Ronnie was the one fighting back tears.
Fast-forward to September 2025, and the drama unfolds on Manchester City’s sun-kissed Etihad turf. With City chasing a fourth straight Premier League title, Phil’s form has been electric: a brace against Arsenal, an assist in the Champions League opener. Yet, during a recent 3-1 rout of Tottenham, Ronnie—mascot for the day in his mini City kit—stole the spotlight off-pitch. As the final whistle blew, the boy bolted from the tunnel, arms outstretched for his hero. But Phil, swept up in post-match hugs with teammates, missed the cue. Ronnie’s lower lip trembled; a full-on wail erupted, echoing louder than the crowd’s cheers. Rebecca scooped him up, whispering comforts, but the damage was done. “Daddy forgot me!” Ronnie reportedly sobbed, his tiny fists clenched in betrayal.
This isn’t Ronnie’s first brush with paternal neglect. The social media sensation, who shot to fame during City’s 2023 Treble parade and now boasts a budding YouTube channel poised to rake in “loads of money,” has always idolized Phil. From matching lemon-themed outfits in viral posts to award-winning school shots on target—ironically, hours before Phil’s Euros near-miss—the duo’s bond is legendary. Phil even inked “47” on his neck for his late granddad Ronnie, the number he wears on his back. Father-son fishing trips in Spain, where Phil hooked a 130lb catfish, are cherished escapes from the frenzy. But football’s relentless grind—training till dusk, away games in Munich—leaves Ronnie craving more than FaceTime check-ins.
Neighbours in posh Prestbury have grumbled about late-night parties and barking dogs, but Ronnie’s quiet discontent cuts deeper. “He’s gutted when Phil’s away,” a family friend confides. “That kid lives for his dad—the runs in the park, the kit swaps. But lately, it’s all ‘Why can’t you stay?'” Phil, aware of the strain, has pledged family time amid City’s schedule. “Ronnie’s my world,” he told City’s site. “He keeps me grounded.”
As autumn leaves swirl around the Etihad, will Phil’s on-pitch wizardry mend his son’s off-pitch woes? For now, Ronnie’s Instagram bio reads “El Wey,” but his heart whispers a simpler plea: “Come home, Daddy.” In the Foden household, the real MVP race is just beginning—and it’s one Phil can’t afford to lose.
(Word count: 298)
Be the first to comment