As the lights dimmed at the Etihad Stadium following Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, an era was quietly coming to an end. Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro who had orchestrated City’s midfield for a decade, was playing his final home game for the club that he had helped transform into one of Europe’s most formidable forces.
The Final Bow at the Etihad
The evening was charged with emotion as De Bruyne led his team out as captain one last time at the Etihad. The 33-year-old midfielder, who announced his departure last month, played 69 minutes before being substituted for Nico Gonzalez—a symbolic passing of the torch. Gonzalez would later score, joining Omar Marmoush and Bernardo Silva on the scoresheet in a victory that pushed City closer to securing Champions League football for next season.
In typical De Bruyne fashion, his final home performance featured flashes of brilliance, though he missed a golden opportunity to cap his Etihad farewell with a goal—a moment that would later become the subject of good-natured ribbing from former City defender Micah Richards during post-match interviews.
“I said I just have to be there, it’s going to come. It’s terrible. There’s no excuses,” De Bruyne admitted with characteristic frankness when asked about the miss. “My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
The atmosphere was reflective rather than celebratory. When asked about his feelings on his final home match, De Bruyne responded: “A bit weird. I don’t know. It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I’ve had over here. It’s been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pleasure.”
He continued, capturing the essence of what made him such a beloved figure at City: “I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, creative, that is what I am on the pitch and I want to have fun. I think we had a lot of fun over the 10 years. You win, you lose sometimes. It was a joy working really hard and creating something for this club which brought the club much better than it was before. I’m super proud.”
De Bruyne’s announcement that he would be leaving City came as a surprise to many, including the player himself. The club opted not to offer him a new contract despite his consistent performances and pivotal role in their successes.
“I came here with my wife to stay for a long time, I didn’t expect to be here 10 years,” De Bruyne reflected. “We’ve won everything, we made the club bigger, and now they [team-mates] are going to take over. This team will have more success, that’s for sure.”
His departure statement released in April was equally poignant: “Dear Manchester, Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. 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.”
City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of De Bruyne’s caliber: “There are players that are really, really difficult to replace for many reasons, we know that. But the season we have done is what we have done. We can’t deny it, and of course we have to move forward.”
Where Next for the Belgian Maestro?
As one chapter closes, speculation about De Bruyne’s next destination has reached fever pitch. The Belgian has kept his cards close to his chest, insisting that family considerations will play a major role in his decision.
“I don’t know [if I would like to stay in the Premier League], it depends on who comes,” De Bruyne told reporters after City’s 1-0 FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace. “Like I said to my Belgian colleagues, I have a family and I have young kids. I have to take a decision that works for all of us, not just me. When I was 20 years old and all by myself, I could make a decision, and it would be easy, but now it is a bit more complex.”
When pressed on whether he’d be open to a move to another English club, his response was a tantalizing “Maybe.”
According to bookmakers, the frontrunners for his signature appear to be Italian clubs, with Napoli specifically identified as a leading contender. Major League Soccer in the United States sits as the second most likely destination, followed by clubs in Saudi Arabia and Spain.
The Liverpool Connection
Perhaps the most intriguing development has been reports linking De Bruyne with a shock move to Liverpool. The speculation gained traction with claims that Liverpool had already presented an offer to the Belgian midfielder.
What makes this potential move particularly fascinating is De Bruyne’s previously expressed affinity for Liverpool. Several clips have resurfaced showing that the City legend was actually a Liverpool supporter in his youth.
In one viral clip from his time at Genk, a young De Bruyne stated, “My favourite team is Liverpool FC and my favourite player is Michael Owen. I’d like to play there.”
He later reinforced these sentiments in a 2019 interview with Match of the Day magazine: “I was a Liverpool fan. My family that live in England were all Liverpool supporters so I was, too. I loved Michael Owen because I was really small like him and quick, too. I compared myself to him at the time. I liked [Zinedine] Zidane and Ronaldinho too—those really skilful players.”
In another conversation with Sky Sports, De Bruyne admitted that he “loved” Anfield and praised Liverpool fans for the atmosphere they created during matches.
These comments have fueled speculation that the midfielder could be tempted by a move to his childhood favorites, in what would be a sensational switch to one of City’s biggest rivals.
De Bruyne’s City Legacy
Before looking ahead to his next destination, it’s worth reflecting on what De Bruyne leaves behind at Manchester City—a legacy few players in the club’s history can match.
After joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-club record fee, De Bruyne transformed City’s midfield with his vision, range of passing, and ability to dictate play. Over his decade at the club, he accumulated an impressive haul of 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League.
His individual accolades include multiple selections in the PFA Team of the Year and being recognized as one of the premier midfielders of his generation. His ability to both create and score goals made him the complete attacking midfielder, capable of turning matches with a single pass or strike.
Prior to his final home match, De Bruyne was asked to name his dream Manchester City XI from teammates he had played with—perhaps another way of cementing his legacy at the club. His selection revealed much about the players he most respected:
In goal, he chose Ederson. His defense consisted of Kyle Walker at right-back, Vincent Kompany and John Stones as center-backs, and Josko Gvardiol at left-back. In midfield, he selected current Ballon d’Or holder Rodri alongside David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan. His front three featured Bernardo Silva on the right, Raheem Sterling on the left, and Erling Haaland up front.
Notably, City legend Sergio Aguero missed out on selection, with De Bruyne opting for Haaland as his central striker—a decision that raised some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
A Decade of Excellence
De Bruyne’s decade at City coincided with the club’s most successful period. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, City revolutionized English football with their possession-based approach, and De Bruyne was the conductor of this symphony.
His vision allowed him to see passes that others couldn’t even imagine, while his technical ability enabled him to execute them with unerring accuracy. Whether it was a defense-splitting through ball, a whipped cross, or a thunderous strike from distance, De Bruyne’s repertoire seemed limitless.
Beyond his technical qualities, his leadership on the pitch became increasingly important as City’s old guard of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero gradually departed. Taking on the captain’s armband seemed a natural progression for a player whose performances consistently set the standard for his teammates.
What made De Bruyne special wasn’t just his individual brilliance but his ability to elevate those around him. His understanding with teammates—particularly his telepathic connection with various City strikers over the years—made City’s attack one of the most feared in Europe.
The Perfect Fit for Guardiola
Much of De Bruyne’s success at City can be attributed to the perfect marriage between his skills and Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophy. The Spanish manager’s system, which demands technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and positional awareness, brought out the best in De Bruyne.
Guardiola gave the Belgian the freedom to express himself within the team’s structure, allowing him to operate in various positions across the midfield and even in more advanced roles when required. This versatility made De Bruyne virtually unmarkable at times, as opponents struggled to track his movement and anticipate his next action.
In return, De Bruyne’s execution of Guardiola’s ideas on the pitch helped translate the manager’s vision into reality. He was, in many ways, Guardiola’s on-field general—a player who understood the system so completely that he could adapt and adjust in real-time as matches developed.
The relationship between player and manager was based on mutual respect, with Guardiola frequently describing De Bruyne as one of the best players he had ever coached—high praise indeed from someone who had managed the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta at Barcelona.
Looking Ahead: What Next for City?
As De Bruyne prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career, City face the unenviable task of replacing a player who has been central to their identity for a decade. While no single player can replicate his unique skill set, the club’s recruitment strategy has always emphasized forward planning.
New talents like Nico Gonzalez, who scored after replacing De Bruyne in his final home game, represent the future. The young Spaniard, along with other emerging stars in City’s squad, will be expected to step up and fill the creative void left by the Belgian’s departure.
However, the real challenge for City will be replacing not just De Bruyne’s technical qualities but his leadership and experience—the intangibles that made him such a vital component in their sustained success. His absence will be felt not just in the statistics of goals and assists but in those crucial moments when games hang in the balance and experience makes the difference.
Despite the considerable challenge, De Bruyne himself remains optimistic about City’s future: “I know it’s been a bit of a tough year for us but I think this team deserves all the support from you guys. I know they are pushing really hard and this team will be back next year fighting for all the titles.”
A Family Decision
For De Bruyne himself, the next move represents more than just a footballing decision. At 33, this could potentially be his last major contract, and factors beyond the pitch will inevitably influence his choice.
“I have to take a decision that works for all of us, not just me,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of his family’s welfare in the decision-making process. This consideration could favor destinations that offer stability, familiar cultures, or educational opportunities for his children.
The Italian option, currently favored by bookmakers, would offer De Bruyne the chance to experience one of Europe’s top leagues that he hasn’t yet conquered. Napoli, in particular, with their passionate fanbase and ambitious project, could provide an enticing challenge for a player who has already proven himself in Germany and England.
Alternatively, the growing appeal of Major League Soccer might attract De Bruyne, offering a different lifestyle and the chance to be a transformative figure for a league still establishing itself among the world’s elite competitions. The financial power of Saudi Arabian clubs cannot be discounted either, with several European stars having already made lucrative moves to the Middle East.
Then there’s the intriguing possibility of Liverpool—a move that would simultaneously honor his childhood affinity for the club while causing considerable consternation among the City faithful who have idolized him for a decade.
The Final Verdict
As De Bruyne approaches the crossroads of his illustrious career, the football world watches with bated breath. Whatever decision he makes will send ripples through the sport and potentially reshape the competitive landscape, particularly if he opts to remain in the Premier League with a rival club.
For now, the Belgian remains focused on concluding his City career with dignity and professionalism. There are still matches to be played and contributions to be made before his final departure.
When that moment does come, De Bruyne will leave Manchester having written his name indelibly into the club’s history. His decade of service transformed both his own career and the trajectory of a club that has established itself as a European powerhouse during his tenure.
As he told the City fans in his emotional farewell: “We’ve won everything, we made the club bigger.” Few players can claim to have had such a profound impact on a club’s fortunes, but in De Bruyne’s case, it’s a statement of simple fact rather than hyperbole.
The next chapter of Kevin De Bruyne’s career remains unwritten, but his legacy at Manchester City is already secure—a decade of excellence that helped redefine what was possible at a club that will never forget his contribution to their golden era.
