Phil Foden takes legal action against online trolls
Phil Foden is taking legal action after sick comments from online trolls, with the Manchester City star’s family targeted once again, reports BritPanorama.
The 25-year-old has hired lawyers to remove disturbing hoax stories and images circulating on social media, one of which falsely claimed that one of his children had died and another had cancer.
This incident marks yet another chapter in Foden’s experience with online harassment. The City star, who has won six Premier League titles with the club, has witnessed a troubling pattern of targeted abuse from fans. In the latest episode, Rebecca Cooke, Foden’s fiancée and mother of their three children, expressed deep distress over the malicious claims.
One particularly distressing post on Facebook alleged that the couple’s eldest son, Ronnie, had died at the age of six, while another fabricated a story about their daughter, True, having cancer. Cooke has publicly condemned these unfounded stories, stating, “They are completely false and very disturbing,” adding that the family is “doing everything we can to stop them.”
Foden’s family has been subjected to similar harassment in the past, notably during a Manchester derby match in April 2025, where Manchester United fans directed vile chants at his mother, Claire Rowlands. City manager Pep Guardiola condemned the actions of those fans, illustrating the scrutiny athletes and their families face in the public eye.
Foden’s grandmother, Mary Keates, also expressed her outrage over the hurtful comments directed at the family, expressing disbelief at the depths of cruelty some individuals exhibit. “It really hurt to hear what was being shouted by the fans about Claire,” she remarked.
In light of these incidents, Foden is determined to hold accountable those who target his children with abusive remarks online. This season, he has made 11 appearances for Manchester City, scoring twice, and will be looking to contribute further as the team prepares for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth.
This unsettling episode serves as a reminder of the darker side of fame, highlighting how the successful often bear the brunt of unwarranted criticism. Even as Foden shines on the pitch, the harsh realities off it remain an ongoing struggle for him and his family.
