Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season, the 33-year-old Belgian announced on Friday.
De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has won 14 major trophies during his time at the club, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023.
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“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first,” De Bruyne wrote in a heartfelt social media post.
“Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing 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.”
De Bruyne’s influence and legacy at City
The Belgian international has been pivotal in City’s rise to becoming the dominant force in English football over the past decade. He was twice named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
De Bruyne ranks second on the Premier League’s all-time assist chart with 118 and has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances for Manchester City.
“He’s one of the greatest we’ve ever seen,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third – it’s so difficult to replace. What he’s done here for the past decade has been outstanding.”
Uncertainty over Club World Cup involvement
While De Bruyne’s contract runs until the end of June, it is still uncertain whether he will take part in the Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter,” De Bruyne added. “Let’s enjoy these last moments together!”
Linked with Saudi Arabia or MLS move
He has been linked with potential moves to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer in the United States. His influence at City has waned recently due to injury setbacks — missing five months last season with a hamstring tear and making only 21 starts in City’s 47 matches this campaign.
City’s struggles and exit from Europe
Currently fifth in the Premier League and 22 points behind leaders Liverpool, City also exited the Champions League after a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the play-off round — a stark contrast to their recent dominance.
A glittering career for club and country
Internationally, De Bruyne has earned over 100 caps for Belgium, playing a key role in the country’s “golden generation” that finished third at the 2018 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 and 2020.
From Chelsea castoff to City legend
After a tough start to life in England with Chelsea, De Bruyne reignited his career at Wolfsburg, where he was named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2014/15. His £55 million move to City raised eyebrows at the time, but he quickly proved doubters wrong with world-class displays and unmatched consistency.
Architect of an era of success
Under Guardiola, De Bruyne became the creative engine behind City’s golden era — helping the team become the first to hit 100 Premier League points in 2017/18, win a domestic treble in 2018/19, and complete a historic treble in 2022/23. City also became the first club in English football history to win four consecutive top-flight titles.
A farewell to one of City’s greatest ever
As one of Manchester City’s all-time greats prepares to say goodbye, fans will be hoping for a few more magical moments from the Belgian maestro before the curtain closes on a legendary chapter at the Etihad.
