In a heartfelt announcement that has sent ripples through the football community, Kevin De Bruyne confirmed on April 4, 2025, that he will be leaving Manchester City after a remarkable decade with the club. The Belgian midfielder, who has become synonymous with the sky blues, expressed his gratitude in an emotional social media post, stating, "These will be my last months as a Manchester City player." This marks the end of an era for both De Bruyne and Manchester City, as he has been a pivotal figure in the club's rise to prominence in English football.
De Bruyne joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015 from Wolfsburg for a fee reported to be over €60 million. Since then, he has made a staggering 413 appearances, scoring 106 goals and providing an impressive 174 assists. His contributions have been instrumental in Manchester City's success, helping the team secure a total of 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Reflecting on his journey, De Bruyne shared, "Football led me to all of you and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing that this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people... gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING." His words resonate with the fans who have witnessed his evolution from a promising talent to a club legend.
Despite his immense contributions, the last two seasons have been challenging for De Bruyne, primarily due to a series of hamstring injuries that limited his playing time. This season, he has started only 19 games, a stark contrast to his previous performances where he was a regular starter and a key player under manager Pep Guardiola. The recent struggles of Manchester City, currently competing in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, have further highlighted the impact of his absence on the team.
As De Bruyne prepares to bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium, speculation about his future is rife. While he has not confirmed his next destination, there are ongoing discussions linking him to the ambitious Saudi Arabian project Neom SC, as well as potential opportunities in Major League Soccer (MLS), particularly with the newly formed San Diego FC. De Bruyne, who is currently the highest-paid footballer in England with a weekly wage of £400,000, has previously acknowledged the financial allure of playing in Saudi Arabia, stating, "At my age, you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career."
His departure is not merely a loss for Manchester City but for the entire Premier League, where he has been a standout performer over the past decade. De Bruyne's ability to change the course of a match with his vision, passing, and scoring prowess has made him one of the league's most feared playmakers. He holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history, with 117 assists in just 277 appearances, a feat that underscores his creative genius on the pitch.
As fans and teammates prepare to say goodbye, tributes have already begun pouring in. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, a fellow midfielder and admirer of De Bruyne's talent, simply stated, "Special player. Congrats!" This sentiment is echoed by many who have watched De Bruyne's career unfold, not just in Manchester but across Europe.
De Bruyne's journey in football began at KRC Genk, where he showcased his talent before moving to Chelsea in 2012. However, his time at Chelsea was marred by limited opportunities, leading to loan spells at Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg. It was at Wolfsburg where he truly flourished, catching the eye of Manchester City, who saw his potential and brought him to the Premier League.
Throughout his tenure at City, De Bruyne has been a defining player, known for his pinpoint accuracy and ability to deliver under pressure. His performances in critical matches, including memorable goals against top teams like Real Madrid and Chelsea, have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
As this chapter comes to a close, the question on everyone's mind is how Manchester City will cope without their talisman. Replacing a player of De Bruyne's caliber is no easy task, and Pep Guardiola will have to find a way to adapt his tactics to fill the void left by the Belgian. The club's focus will now shift to the future, aiming to continue their success in both domestic and European competitions.
In conclusion, Kevin De Bruyne's departure marks the end of a significant era for Manchester City. His influence on the club and the league cannot be overstated, and as he prepares for his next adventure, fans and players alike will remember the magic he brought to the pitch. De Bruyne leaves behind a legacy of excellence, and while he may be moving on, his impact on Manchester City will be felt for years to come.
