PHIL Foden joined Man City’s academy at the tender age of four before breaking into the first team aged just 17.
Every step of the way his protective mum Claire has been supporting her boy. Here’s everything you need to know about her.
XPhil Foden shared this pic with his mum and dad on X and captioned it: ‘Thank you to my mum and dad who have made all this possible’[/caption]
Who is Phil Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands?
Claire Rowlands, 45, is the mother of Phil Foden — one of England’s most talented footballers.
Born and raised in Stockport, Greater Manchester, she has been a driving force behind Phil’s success.
Claire told the Telegraph that Phil was “the cheapest kid ever,” before adding: “No games, no toys, nothing — just a football.”
Supportive mother
Claire’s dedication to her son’s football career began early.
Phil Foden joined Manchester City’s academy at just four years old, and Claire was there every step of the way to encourage him.
In 2022, Phil explained: “City were training the under-6s and I think I might have only been four at the time and they asked the school if they had anyone else who could play, and my PE teacher said ‘yeah we have this little guy who is pretty good’.
“So they brought me out for individual training and then gave me a card to give to my parents — and I have been there ever since!”
Claire’s passion for football is evident — she even supports her son’s team, Manchester City, while her husband, Phil Sr., supports Manchester United.
Family
Claire is a mother of five children: Phil, Callum, Kenzi, Lois, and Avayah.
In January 2019, Phil had his first son, Ronnie with childhood sweetheart, Rebecca Cooke at the age of 18, paying homage to his late grandfather.
They later welcomed two more children to their brood.
His mum Claire stepped in to help with childcare responsibilities while Phil focused on his footballing commitments.
Protective parent
Claire is known for her strong personality and protective instincts when it comes to her family.
One notable incident occurred at a boxing event in Manchester in 2022, when Claire confronted individuals during an altercation involving Phil.
We keep going
Phil Foden
She was seemingly punched in the face during a furious brawl after Amir Khan’s loss in his boxing grudge match against long-time foe Kell Brook.
The clip, which was widely shared on social media and filmed in a corridor of Manchester’s AO Arena, began with a seething Phil turning as he appeared to be goaded following City’s 3-2 loss to Spurs earlier that day.
His girlfriend Rebecca Cooke shouted at the aggressors: “Who you calling a c***?”
The couple walked into a private room in the arena following Amir’s bloody defeat by Kell.
GettyPhil Foden with mum Claire and girlfriend Rebecca at the Qatar World Cup in 2022[/caption]
Phil’s mum Claire was then seen walking out and asking the group: “Right, who’s calling him?”
One of the men replied: “No one.”
Claire said: “Right, then f*** off.”
She appeared to push out at a man in a black jacket, forcing him back several steps, before the attacker stepped in and took a swing at her.
It’s not clear if the blow connected, but Claire reeled backwards before a man in a black baseball hat stepped in to defend her.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1Phil pictured signing a new Man City contract alongside his proud parents[/caption]
Derogatory derby chant
Pep Guardiola slammed United fans for “shameful” chants about Phil Foden‘s mum during the Manchester derby on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Some sections of the home crowd were heard chanting “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the Old Trafford stalemate.
City boss Guardiola condemned the fans responsible, saying: “It was a lack of class.
“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”
He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.
“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Phil responded on Instagram.
Alongside five photos of himself from the match, the Man City star wrote: “We keep going.”
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