Determined Foden aiming to silence critics following Club World Cup brilliance
New and Improved Version
Phil Foden is back with a fiery passion, determined to reclaim his spot and silence his critics at Manchester City. After a lackluster 2024-25 season, Foden turned things around, showcasing a renewed tenacity in the 2025-26 campaign.
Last year, the 25-year-old's form took a nose-dive, registering only 15 goal involvements in 45 appearances. But that's all in the past now. Foden took a break, recharged, and is eager to make amends.
He skipped the international duty for England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly defeat to Senegal earlier this month. Instead, he returned to City with a bang, notching a goal and an assist in their 2-0 victory over Wydad AC in the Club World Cup opener.
Becoming the first Englishman to score in multiple editions of the Club World Cup, Foden ended the game with a team-high four shots, while only Savinho created more chances than him.
"The fire inside me is burning again, and I want to show everyone I can still make it happen," Foden declared. "It was a tough year. No sugarcoating it. I wasn't at my best. I needed a break, some rest, and now it's a fresh start, a new me. I'm just ready for the season."
Foden admitted that he felt drained but never questioned his inclusion in City's Club World Cup squad. Up next for City are Al Ain and Juventus, and Foden is pumped to build on his impressive performance against Wydad.
"New season, new phase," he told Channel 5. "This tournament is huge, not just for me, but for everyone. Sharpening up now for big competitions like this is essential. Playing for a club like City means high expectations for every game. I've dealt with that pressure before, and last season was tough for all of us, but it's about moving forward this season."
Foden, named the Premier League's best player in the 2023-24 season, is now in the last two years of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Contract talks about an extension have yet to begin.
"No news so far. We'll see what develops," he said.
As Foden strives to prove his doubters wrong and regain his top form, competition within the squad continues to intensify. The acquisition of new talents like Rayan Cherki has added uncertainty to his long-term future, with questions swirling over his role and influence in the team.
Regardless, Foden's early performances in the 2025-26 season indicate that he's not going down without a fight. Catch him in action as the Club World Cup unfolds, showcasing a highly anticipated rebirth and a chance to etch his name onto Manchester City's history books.
In the new and improved season, Phil Foden aims to reclaim his spot at Manchester City by displaying his passion for sports, particularly football. His impressive performance in the Club World Cup opener against Wydad AC, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, is just the beginning of his rebirth.
