Kevin De Bruyne, the midfield mastermind who has shaped Manchester City’s most successful era, has officially announced that he will leave the club at the end of the current season. After a decade of brilliance, the Belgian playmaker’s departure will leave a void not only in City’s midfield but also in the hearts of fans who have been privileged to witness his genius firsthand.
In a heartfelt message shared across social media, De Bruyne poured out his emotions, expressing deep gratitude and an unbreakable bond with Manchester City and its supporters. His words felt more like a farewell letter to a beloved home rather than a typical player announcement. Right from the start, he acknowledged the widely anticipated news directly and sincerely, leaving no room for doubt—his time at Manchester City was coming to an end. He admitted that writing the message was incredibly difficult, reflecting the emotional weight of his decision.
Looking back on his journey, he recalled arriving in Manchester with dreams, unaware of just how profoundly the club, the city, and its people would impact his life. His repeated declaration that Manchester had “given me EVERYTHING” underscored the immense appreciation he holds for the club. In turn, he dedicated himself entirely to the City project, playing a pivotal role in its transformation into a football powerhouse. Though bittersweet, he acknowledged that the time had come to say goodbye.
De Bruyne also included his family in his message, expressing their shared gratitude and highlighting the special connection they have with the city—a bond so strong that Manchester will always be a part of their lives, even appearing on their children’s passports. He concluded by calling Manchester their “home” and describing his ten years at the club as the “best chapter” of his career, cherishing the remaining moments before his departure.
Guardiola’s Tribute to a Legend
Pep Guardiola, the man who helped elevate De Bruyne into one of the best midfielders in football history, reacted to the news with a mixture of sadness and deep admiration. He acknowledged that it was a “sad day” but quickly added that he felt lucky to have worked with De Bruyne for so long. Guardiola highlighted not just De Bruyne’s footballing brilliance but also his character, saying, “The last decade would not be possible to imagine without him.”
Drawing parallels to City legends like Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva—who all have statues outside the Etihad—Guardiola emphasized De Bruyne’s place among the greats. He went further, stating with certainty that a statue of De Bruyne would one day stand outside the stadium, a testament to his immense contribution. “There’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country,” Guardiola declared. “And he will always have a place here.”
A Decade of Glory: De Bruyne’s Unmatched Success
Since joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has been at the heart of the club’s golden era, helping to secure an astonishing 19 major trophies. His achievements include six Premier League titles (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24), two FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shields. On the European stage, he helped City finally win the Champions League in 2023, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup the same year.
Beyond trophies, De Bruyne’s individual brilliance is reflected in his staggering statistics. In 413 appearances for City, he has scored 106 goals, becoming the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to hit a century. His 174 assists solidify his reputation as one of the most creative players in football history.
In the Premier League, he has set records that place him among the all-time greats. He leads in assists since his arrival in 2015 (117) and sits second on the all-time assist chart (118), just behind Ryan Giggs. His efficiency is unmatched, with the best minutes-per-assist ratio in league history. He also holds records for the most chances created (827) and big chances created (193) since 2015.
De Bruyne’s impact is further highlighted by his two Premier League Player of the Season awards—placing him alongside legends like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo—and his three Playmaker awards, the most in league history. His record-tying 20 assists in a single season (2019-20) cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest creators.
Why is De Bruyne Leaving?
Despite his legendary status, De Bruyne’s decision to leave appears influenced by several factors. His playing time has been reduced this season, with only 19 starts, hinting at a possible transition within the team. Injuries have also played a role, with the Belgian missing significant spells in recent seasons. Additionally, there were strong links to Saudi Arabia last summer, and more recently, to MLS side San Diego FC, suggesting a potential new challenge outside Europe.
Guardiola’s comments also hinted at a mutual decision, with the club possibly looking towards the future. De Bruyne had postponed contract talks, seemingly waiting to assess his physical condition before committing to a new deal. All these factors suggest that while he remains a world-class player, both he and the club believe now is the right time for a new chapter.
A Proper Farewell
Manchester City has acknowledged De Bruyne’s departure with deep respect, promising a fitting tribute before the season ends. The club called him a “global icon” and confirmed that fans would get the opportunity to say a proper goodbye.
Guardiola reinforced De Bruyne’s legacy by once again comparing him to Kompany, Aguero, and Silva. “Part of us is leaving,” he said, emphasizing the enormous void De Bruyne will leave behind.
The End of an Era
Kevin De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in Manchester City’s history. His decade of magic, vision, and leadership has been instrumental in the club’s rise to dominance. He leaves behind not only a trophy-laden career but also countless moments of brilliance that will forever be etched in the memory of City fans.
