Phil Foden Declares Bold Comeback After Challenging Campaign: "New Start, New Me"

Manchester City's Phil Foden has sent a clear statement to his critics after enduring a difficult 2024–25 campaign, confessing his eagerness to "silence the skeptics".

Following an exceptional 2023–24 season where he claimed the Premier League Player of the Season award with an impressive tally of 19 goals and eight assists, expectations were high for Foden to continue his upward trajectory and solidify his status among the world's elite attacking midfielders.

Nevertheless, mirroring several of his Manchester City colleagues, the England midfielder's performances declined significantly during the previous campaign, managing only nine goal contributions in Premier League action as Pep Guardiola's squad relinquished their title to Liverpool.

Foden's regression was among numerous elements that led to a disappointing season for the Citizens, who are seeking to reclaim their form at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 25-year-old aims to accomplish similar redemption at the competition and showed promising signs by netting and providing an assist in Manchester City's 2–0 triumph against Wydad Casablanca.

After requesting Thomas Tuchel to exclude him from the England roster earlier this month, Foden is experiencing the advantages of essential recovery time, which he highlighted following Man City's Club World Cup opening match.

"Fresh beginning, renewed version of myself," declared the English player. "The break was extremely valuable. Few players nowadays receive substantial time off, making it crucial. I honestly cannot recall my last extended rest period like this.

"I found it challenging to completely disconnect, but I simply relaxed with my family, pursued personal interests, and it was necessary. The drive within me has returned, and I'm determined to prove my critics wrong."

Foden recorded his poorest scoring statistics since the 2019–20 season and hopes to generate positive momentum in the United States before the upcoming Premier League season. The Citizens kick off their campaign with an away fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Aug. 16, followed by challenging encounters with Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Arsenal in their subsequent four matches.