Foden's Hat-Trick Heroics Ignite Champions League

Phil Foden has reignited his career with a stunning Champions League hat-trick in Manchester City’s 5-1 demolition of AEK Athens ^[1]. The 26-year-old, who had gone 10 months without a Premier League goal, scored all three of City’s second-half goals, including a first-time curler into the top corner, to become just the third Englishman to score a hat-trick and provide an assist in a European match.

The performance came as a surprise to few, given Foden’s recent struggles. After a season of frustration—ending with 31 games without a goal—and a red card in the Manchester United derby, he was left out of England’s World Cup squad ^[1]. But under new manager Enzo Maresca, Foden has found a new role as a false nine, a position he said he "really enjoyed".

Maresca made eight changes from the previous game, retaining Foden, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Ruben Dias, while resting Erling Haaland, who had sustained a foot injury ^[1]. The move paid off as Foden, starting on the right wing before drifting into the central role, was involved in four of City’s five goals.

Former City defender Joleon Lescott praised Foden’s finishing as "exquisite" and said he now appears to be the solution should Haaland be unavailable ^[1]. Maresca, who called Foden one of the best English players since day one, said he’s confident in his ability to help the team despite past setbacks.

Foden’s resurgence comes after a turbulent 2024–25 season, during which he signed a new four-year contract in July despite his poor run ^[1]. His latest performance has sparked renewed belief in his potential, with former England winger Ashley Young saying he has "answered his manager's questions".

With City now in full swing, Foden’s form could prove pivotal as they aim to defend their Premier League title and push deep into Europe. The story was first reported by BBC News.