Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden quietly spent a large sum to purchase and rebuild an old orphanage in Manchester for abandoned children. The claim, which includes a cryptic quote from Foden—”If you knew why this hurts me so deeply, you’d understand why I couldn’t walk away”—has gone viral on platforms like Facebook, amassing thousands of shares and comments.

The rumor originated from unverified Facebook posts in early January 2026, with variations claiming Foden spent up to £15 million from his salary and bonuses on the project. One post described it as a “deeply touching moment,” while another suggested he “shocked the world” by buying an abandoned village—though that appears to be a separate, equally unconfirmed tale. These stories often include emotional appeals, tugging at heartstrings with themes of personal pain and redemption. Social media users have speculated wildly, from tying it to Foden’s Stockport roots to inventing backstories about family hardships. Yet, searches across major news outlets, including the BBC, Sky Sports, and The Guardian, yield no substantiation. Manchester City officials, when contacted by local media, declined to comment on personal matters but emphasized Foden’s ongoing involvement in club-backed charities.

Misinformation in sports isn’t new, especially on platforms where viral content thrives on drama. Anti-misinformation group Full Fact noted similar patterns in past rumors about athletes, urging fans to verify sources before sharing. One X user (formerly Twitter) dismissed the orphanage claim as “clickbait,” pointing out its resemblance to fabricated stories about other celebrities. Despite the lack of evidence, the narrative has boosted Foden’s image as a humble hero, aligning with his real-life reputation as a family-oriented philanthropist.

Phil Foden, born on May 28, 2000, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, grew up in a working-class family and has never shied away from his roots. The son of Phil Sr., a lifelong Manchester City fan, and Claire, Foden was scouted by City at age four and joined their academy two years later. His early life in the modest suburb of Edgeley instilled values of community and perseverance, themes that recur in his charitable endeavors. By age eight, he was turning heads, and his debut for the senior team came in November 2017 at just 17, making him one of the youngest players in club history.

Foden’s career trajectory has been nothing short of stellar. Under manager Pep Guardiola, he’s evolved from a promising youth to a key cog in City’s dominance, contributing to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the 2023 UEFA Champions League triumph. His stats speak volumes: over 280 appearances, 90 goals, and 55 assists as of January 2026. Last season, Foden earned the Premier League Player of the Season award after a breakout campaign with 19 goals and eight assists. Internationally, he’s a mainstay for England, with 37 caps and four goals, including standout performances at Euro 2024 where the Three Lions reached the final.

Off the pitch, Foden’s philanthropy is well-documented, focusing on youth development and community support—areas that resonate with his own upbringing. In 2022, he partnered with McDonald’s and anti-poverty charity FareShare for a campaign raising funds to redistribute surplus food to nearly 9,500 frontline groups across the UK. Foden appeared in promotional videos, emphasizing how “giving back to communities like the one I grew up in” drives him. That same year, alongside Manchester United’s Ella Toone, he helped launch a sustainable all-weather football pitch in Moss Side, Manchester, through Nike, JD Sports, and Football Beyond Borders—a charity aiding young people via sport. The pitch, made from recycled materials, serves as a safe space for local kids, reflecting Foden’s belief in football as a tool for social good.

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Phil Foden and Ella Toone launch sustainable community football …

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Foden’s efforts intensified. He donated £5,000 to Sunderland families in need and gifted signed boots to charities, actions highlighted by organizations like Smiley Movement. In 2023, he supported Movember, raising awareness for men’s health by growing a mustache and sharing his journey on social media. More recently, in November 2025, Foden starred in Manchester City’s Christmas charity campaign, “City in the Community,” which provided free meals to food banks and hosted events at the Etihad Campus for hundreds of locals. Alongside teammates like Rodri and John Stones, he surprised primary school children with festive gifts, a moment captured in club videos that went viral.

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City stars surprise unsuspecting youngsters

One particularly heartwarming incident occurred in September 2022, when Foden visited an 84-year-old City fan with dementia at a care home. The fan, Barry, lit up upon recognizing his idol, leading to an emotional hug that was shared widely by the Manchester Evening News. “It means everything to make someone’s day,” Foden said at the time. In December 2025, he collaborated with fashion brand C.P. Company on a limited-edition jacket, with all proceeds benefiting City in the Community Foundation. These initiatives have helped the foundation support over 40,000 people annually through health, education, and inclusion programs.

Foden’s generosity extends to his family, often blending personal life with acts of kindness. In 2018, at just 18, he bought a £2 million home in Prestbury, Cheshire, for his parents, ensuring they shared in his success. Later, he purchased a £3 million mansion nearby for himself, partner Rebecca Cooke, and their three children—Ronnie (born 2019), True (2021), and a third child in 2024. However, family life hasn’t been without challenges. In April 2025, after a heated Manchester derby, Foden’s mother faced abuse from rival fans at Old Trafford, prompting the family to sell the £3 million property. By November 2025, Foden sold his Cheshire mansion for nearly £3 million after a price cut, amid reports of noisy parties drawing police attention.

These property dealings contrast sharply with the orphanage rumor, which some speculate arose from misinterpretations of Foden’s family-focused investments. In June 2025, reports confirmed he bought another £3 million home for his parents, reinforcing his role as the “ultimate family man.” Foden’s net worth, estimated at £50 million, stems from his £225,000 weekly wage at City, endorsements with Nike and Hugo Boss, and savvy investments.

Critics, however, have pointed to on-field dips. In May 2025, one X post likened his form to a “competition winner at a charity game,” amid a perceived drop-off after his Player of the Year honors. Guardiola defended him, attributing fluctuations to injuries and international duties. As of January 2026, Foden has rebounded, contributing key goals in City’s title push.

The orphanage story, while unverified, has inadvertently highlighted Foden’s genuine impact. Charities like FareShare and Football Beyond Borders report increased donations post-rumor, showing how even false narratives can spark positive action. Fans on X have praised his humility, with one calling him a “blue-collar hero.”