Manchester City star Phil Foden has initiated legal proceedings after malicious fake claims about his children circulated widely on social media.

The England international became the subject of distressing online rumours alleging that one of his children had died and another had been diagnosed with cancer. The false narratives were accompanied by AI-generated images of Foden and his partner, Rebecca Cooke, appearing emotional — content that quickly went viral and alarmed fans.

Reports indicate that Foden’s representatives have engaged legal experts to identify the originators of the hoaxes and ensure the fabricated posts are taken down across social platforms.

Among the false claims, one widely shared Facebook post alleged that Foden’s six-year-old son, Ronnie, had passed away, while another falsely stated that his four-year-old daughter, True, was undergoing cancer treatment. The fake reports, circulated by accounts posing as Manchester City supporters, sparked confusion and prompted messages of sympathy from concerned fans.

Cooke, who shares three children with the midfielder, denounced the rumours in a statement on Instagram, calling the posts “sickening.”

“We are aware of the pages and accounts spreading these stories,” she wrote. “They are completely false and very disturbing. I don’t understand how people can make up these things about anyone, especially children. It’s sickening.”

She assured supporters that the family is safe and well, adding, “Thank God we are all fine, and thank you for your concerns. Please report any pages or posts circulating these false claims.”