Manchester City and England star Phil Foden is seen as one of the best young players in the world, and with good reason.
Precociously talented, Foden is a key member of a star-studded club side that has swept aside all challengers in the Premier League. They’re always in the mix when it comes to the business end of the Champions League.
The 2020-21 PFA Young Player of the Year and the Premier League Young Player of the Season, his trophy cabinet is going to be massive by the time he retires.
Did we mention that he’s still only 21? Here’s a rundown with three of the best Phil Foden cards to collect. We’ve included top RCs, and options for both club and country.
Top Phil Foden Cards
We’ve come up with a list containing three top Phil Foden cards, of which the best versions are likely to be found wrapped in a graded slab.
3. 2021 Panini Mosaic UEFA Euro 2020 Phil Foden #102 (eBay)
We’ll begin with Foden in an England shirt. He appeared in his first major tournament in 2021, reaching the Euro final before losing to Italy on penalties.
The 2021 Panini Mosaic UEFA Euro 2020 Soccer set is confusingly named due to the competition being delayed because of Covid-19. The Base set contains 200 players, with Foden representing the English contingent.
He’s wearing a number 19 shirt, although he’s been included in the first 11 ever since. Parallels are numerous, with a heap of serial numbered options.
- Parallels: Silver
- Mosaic: Base Mosaic, Camo Pink, Genesis, Green, Reactive Gold, Reactive Red, Red, Blue #/99, Purple Fluorescent #/70, Purple #/49, Orange Fluorescent #/25, Pink #/25, Blue Fluorescent #/15, Gold #/10, Gold Fluorescent #/10, Pink Fluorescent #/10, Black 1/1
- Circles: Blue #/99, Purple #/49, White #/25, Gold #/10, Black 1/1
- Choice: Peacock, Red & Green, Red & Gold #/88, Black Gold #/18, Nebula 1/1
- Pulsar: Blue, Gold, Red
2. 2018/19 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Phil Foden #179 (eBay)
Next is Foden’s 2018-19 Donruss Soccer RC.
Rather than the base Rated Rookie subset, we’re looking at the Optic version. It can be identified via the small black logo on the bottom right corner. Foden is included in a strong rookie class along with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz.
If you’re on the market for a more affordable graded Foden card, the Press Proof Rated Rookie parallel is a great choice.
Parallels: Holo, Green Velocity #/200, Aqua #/149, Purple Velocity #/125, Orange #/99, Red Velocity #/50, Black Velocity #/25, Gold #/10, Green #/5, Gold Vinyl 1/1
1. 2019/20 Panini Prizm EPL Phil Foden RC #159 (eBay)
The top spot is reserved for the insanely popular 2019-20 Panini Prizm Premier League Soccer collection. It was the first EPL set under the Panini banner, so it’s a rookie of sorts. (But not really.)
As with the majority of modern cards, various serial numbered Prizm parallels up the rarity and the asking price, with many having been sent off for grading. It features a simple action shot, with parallels relating to the border colour.
- Prizm Parallels: Silver, Green Wave, Hyper, Multicolor, Red/White/Blue (Fat), Blue #/199, Red #/149, Red Mosaic #/109 (Blaster), Purple #/99, Blue Ice #/75, Orange #/25, White Sparkle #/15 (Rewards), Gold #/10, Blue Shimmer FOTL #/8, Gold Power #/5, Black 1/1
- Breakaway Prizms: Prizm, Violet #/75, Teal #/35, Bronze #/20, Gold #/10, Lime Green #/5, Black 1/1
Top Phil Foden Cards: Buyers Guide
Here’s what we think about the current state of the Foden card market, and if he has what it takes to live up to the hype.
There are so many Foden cards on the market right now, so ungraded parallels aren’t prohibitively expensive. We’ve mentioned that the Optic Rated Rookie parallel is a great choice. You could also look at the cheaper Press Proof version.
Alternatively, you could also wait for the World Cup later this year. You’ll be able to snag Foden’s first ever card from the tournament.
The Panini set is promising. However, it’s hard to look past the RC logo displayed on Foden’s 2018-19 Donruss Soccer card. Collectors tend to prefer the Optic brand, even if the Prizm EPL card is an early release that is easier on the eye.
Top Phil Foden Cards: Buying/Selling Advice
When Phil Foden was still bedding into the first team in 2019, Pep Guardiola gave him the highest possible praise;
“He has everything to become one of the best players,” Guardiola said. “I have said many times in press conferences, but maybe not said it in front of him, Phil is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager.
“His only problem is sometimes his manager doesn’t put him in the starting XI. Hopefully in the future that can improve.”
At the time, it was unthinkable considering Pep has coached the likes of Lionel Messi. It’s not as far-fetched in hindsight. Foden oozes class on the field, and has never looked out of place, whether it’s the league, Europe, or the international stage.
After helping England reach a first major tournament final in 50 years at Euro 2020, injury ruled him out of the showpiece game and delayed his return at City. He was still amongst the six Manchester City players shortlisted for the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards.
There’s no telling what he could achieve if he keeps up his form. It’s worth checking out his cards as a viable long-term investment option.