Phil Foden's neck tattoo: What it says and touching reason behind message

Manchester City and England star Phil Foden has two neck tattoos – each with a significant meaning. Tattoos have become incredibly popular over the generations, but they don’t always carry a reasoning; some people get them to commemorate loved ones or significant life events, while others simply appreciate the artistry and body modification aspect.

Footballers’ tattoos can be quite noticeable given the amount of time they spend on screen world wide. Lionel Messi’s vibrant flowers on his right arm, David Beckham’s winged cross at the back of his neck, and Ederson’s striking skull on his throat are some examples that might come to mind when thinking about your favourite players and their artwork.

However, some tattoos are easier to overlook, especially when you’re captivated by their on-field performances. Foden, 24, has two visible tattoos on either side of his neck, each with its own unique significance. Here, The Express provides a breakdown of the young player’s tattoos and their meanings.

The number 47

The smaller of Foden’s two tattoos is the number 47, permanently inked onto the right side of his neck, tucked under his ear. If you’re a Manchester City fan, you’ll recognise this as the number Foden has proudly worn since making his debut at the Etihad Stadium in 2017.

Like Thierry Henry’s iconic number 14, Kevin De Bruyne’s 17, and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s 31, Foden has made his original number 47 shirt a symbol of his success at Manchester City. Should he ever swap it for the more traditional number 10, he’ll always have his tattoo as a memento of his early triumphs.

Sky is the limit.

In addition to his shirt number, Foden also sports a poignant tattoo on the left side of his neck that reads ‘Sky is the limit’. Inked in 2022 by Gabriel Maniak, this motivational mantra serves as a constant reminder that with enough dedication and effort, nothing is beyond reach.

This sentiment rings particularly true for Foden, who navigated the competitive waters of Manchester City’s youth academy to reach professional status while many of his peers fell by the wayside. His impressive performances on the pitch have not only secured him a place in the professional ranks but have also contributed to his six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League trophy with City within just seven years.

The young star was also instrumental in England’s victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, providing a potent threat from attacking midfield. Foden will put his ‘sky is the limit’ philosophy to the test when he faces Spain in the tournament’s final on Sunday, hoping to erase the bitter memory of losing the Euro 2020 trophy to Italy in a heart-breaking penalty shootout.