“Some Things Are Bigger Than Football”—Phil Foden Says As He Opens Up on Difficult Season

Phil Foden, one of Manchester City’s brightest stars, has spoken openly about the challenges he’s faced this season — both mentally and physically. In a rare and emotional interview with reporters, the 24-year-old admitted that things off the pitch have affected his form, and revealed he’s been playing through ligament damage in his ankle since April.

Foden has been under the spotlight for most of his career, rising through City’s academy to become one of England’s most exciting talents. Last season, he played a key role in helping City win a fourth straight Premier League title and went on to help England reach the final of Euro 2024. He also collected several Player of the Year awards. But this season has been much tougher.

“It’s been a frustrating season for me,” Foden said. “I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.”

Despite a brief return to form with a burst of goals around the New Year, Foden hasn’t scored in his last 19 games for club or country — a surprising drought for a player of his quality. All seven of his Premier League goals this season came in a short spell between December and January.

He was only a late substitute in City’s FA Cup final on Saturday, and was left out entirely for Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell game against Bournemouth — a key match as City chase a Champions League spot.

Foden revealed that he has been playing with ligament damage in his ankle since Manchester City’s draw with Manchester United in April. The injury came after a challenge with Casemiro during the derby. Even though he was clearly in pain, Foden insisted on continuing to play.

“I somehow managed to play on with my ligaments done,” he said. “That’s the kind of person I am. I try and play on with anything.”

After missing a couple of games, he returned to training quickly, perhaps too soon. He admits he’s been dealing with consistent ankle pain ever since.

“A lot of people don’t know what football players go through,” Foden said. “I’ve had a lot of pain. I just love being on the pitch — maybe I came back too early. But that’s me.”

Now, he says the ankle is improving slowly. However, what he really needs is rest — something he may not get with England’s international games coming up in June.

Beyond the physical issues, Foden admitted he’s had personal mental struggles this season. Without going into detail, he revealed that several of his City teammates have also found the season mentally exhausting.

At the beginning of the season, Foden already spoke about feeling “burned out” after City’s long title run and the Euros. At just 24, he’s already had a career many players dream of — but with little time to rest. He’s been playing at the top level since he was 17 and has had barely any breaks due to his England duties.

“This season I’ve struggled a little bit,” he said. “Hopefully next year I can get my head mentally right and get back to where I was the season before. I know what I’m capable of doing.”

Foden is hoping the FIFA Club World Cup later this year can be a turning point, but he’s also considering skipping England’s June internationals to give his ankle the rest it needs.

“It’s something we have to speak about with the club and national team,” Foden said. “Maybe it’s better to rest and get my ankle 100 percent right. I just don’t know at the moment.”

The England squad for the June matches will be announced Friday, and Foden’s name is likely to be included. But whether he plays or takes time off for recovery remains undecided.

What’s clear is that Foden is eager to return to his best, both physically and mentally. And by speaking honestly about his struggles, he’s shown that even football’s brightest stars face battles the fans don’t always see.