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Q&A with Manchester City FC's Phil Foden - the youngest football player to win the Premier League

By Connie Suggitt
Published

We recently sat down with Manchester City FC's midfielder Phil Foden, the youngest football player to win the Premier League

His record has landed him a spot in Guinness World Records 2020, along with other footballers including Trent Alexander-Arnold - who may not have secured the Premier League win with Liverpool FC last season, but did break the record for most English Premier League assists by a defender in a single season (as well as winning the UEFA Champions League of course!).


 Foden, who also plays for the England under-21 team, was ecstatic about his inclusion in the latest Guinness World Records book. 

"I'm over the moon with this. Didn't really know until someone else told me! It's nice to be recognised and cool to say I've got a world record."

In addition to his record, we spoke to the 19-year-old about playing for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola and his career highlights (so far). 

You were 12 when Sergio Aguero scored that goal to win Manchester City their first Premier League title. How would you describe that moment just as a boyhood City fan? 

The day you always dream of as any fan is seeing your team win the league. I think after everything the club had been through over the last 15 years or so, from relegation to the third tier to that goal by Sergio, it probably seemed too good to be true. Above all, I was happy for those fans that went through the hard times with the club. That was for them.

What was it like being part of the club you support as an academy player and seeing it develop into the super-club it is now? 

Everything has changed! I've seen a lot over the years, from the pitches we train on, to the coaches, to the stadium, and I think as a young player that is the most exciting thing. To be a part of a club that is constantly growing and moving in the right direction. It gives you that drive to keep improving yourself as all you want to do is remain a part of what is happening.

What’s your favourite thing about watching the way Manchester City play football under Pep Guardiola? 

We play with confidence and are encouraged to express ourselves. It's a style of play that suits me best too. We don’t stop working either and one of the biggest things is the fact we all trust each other and work for each other. We attack and defend as a team and the minute we lose the ball we hunt to win it back.

What has been the highlight of your football career to date, for both club and country? 

For country it would have to be winning the U17 World Cup in India in 2017. The icing on the cake was scoring two goals and winning the Golden Boot. There’s nothing better than representing your country, let alone winning something for them.

Scoring my first goal for City away to Oxford was brilliant. It’s something you think about over and over again in your head, and when it actually happens, nothing can beat that feeling. I think the fans saw how much it meant to me too.

You are officially the youngest football player to win the Premier League. What’s the next target on your list and what is the ultimate goal for you as a football player?

My immediate target is to keep winning with City and play regularly. Beyond that who knows: having won the U17 World Cup it gave me that buzz and made me hungrier for more. To win it again with the first team would be the best. We've got a talented generation of players and there’s no reason we can’t make the most of it.

What position do you see yourself playing going forward? 

CAM (central attacking midfielder)

Pep Guardiola has a great reputation for developing younger players into superstars. Are there any you associate closest to? 

Hard to pick just one. Every team he has managed I am sure he has improved every player. His teams at Barcelona and Bayern Munich only got better and better and I’m sure that’s what we will do at City.


What’s the biggest impact Pep has had so far on shaping you as a player? 

You can’t help but learn from Pep every day in training because he is always looking for you to give your best at every session. Also, training with the quality players we have is a massive help as well.

Who would you say is the most exciting player you’ve played with at club level as well as at England youth level? 

Bernardo Silva

Outside of football what else are you passionate about? 

I do the usual FIFA/Fortnite but not too much…I’m very close with my family. I’ve got younger siblings and our house is always busy. My biggest passion off-pitch is fishing. My dad got me into it as a kid and we used to go to the local reservoir/lake after school. I really enjoy it. It helps me switch off, relax, and is also a good way to spend time with those closest to me.

Finally, how do you feel about your rating on FIFA 20? 

To be honest I’m quite happy with it!


Among the other footballing record-breakers to appear in Guinness World Records 2020 are:

There are 34 pages dedicated to record-breaking sports stars in our latest book, from cricket to combat sports. Find out more about the electrifying new Guinness World Records 2020.