In the fourth round of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage, Manchester City defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-1. Manager Pep Guardiola said that Phil Foden is returning to his peak form with a brand new look.

In the match, Foden scored twice to help Manchester City win. This Champions League victory not only kept Manchester City at the top of the standings, but also witnessed an important moment in Foden's career, as he reached 20 goals in the Champions League.

At just 25 years old, Foden achieved this feat in only 64 Champions League matches, surpassing many football legends, including Guardiola's mentor Johan Cruyff, Dutch legend Marco van Basten, former Premier League striker Andy Cole, and Borussia Dortmund star Jan Koller.

After the match, Guardiola praised Foden's performance, saying, "He's back this season. Foden's touches, turns, and selfless running and tackling on the field are all world-class."

“When he’s happy and passionate, he hardly needs any extra guidance. He’s a special player, and we need his goals and energy. Foden was one of the best players in the Premier League two years ago, and now he’s showing his top level again.”

"Assists, goals, work ethic, defensive commitment—he has it all. We missed his joy so much in the past, and now he's back, able to do whatever he wants."

With these two brilliant goals, Foden not only helped Manchester City secure a crucial victory, but also became the fifth player to score at least 20 goals for Manchester City in the Champions League, following Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Erling Haaland.