Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City this weekend, bringing an end to a ten-year spell that saw him become one of the Premier League's most celebrated players. The Belgian playmaker leaves with 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous individual accolades.
De Bruyne’s uniqueness extended beyond his footballing brilliance. In interviews, he was unusually open, often inviting journalists to his home to meet his family. This contrasted with the typical guardedness of footballers, reflecting a personality as distinctive as his playing style.
On the pitch, De Bruyne combined strength, pace, vision, and grace to operate as both a winger and a No. 10. He possessed a rare ability to beat multiple defenders through congested central areas. His goals—108 for City—included acrobatic volleys, cunning free-kicks, and powerful strikes from distance, with 30 from outside the box in the Premier League.
Yet De Bruyne’s primary passion was assists. He leads the Premier League in assists per minute (one every 177 minutes), surpassing Dennis Bergkamp. His signature move was a back-spun, swerving cross that bypassed defenders for a simple tap-in. He also developed into a formidable tackler, often using one touch to dispossess opponents and launch attacks.
De Bruyne’s arrival at City preceded Pep Guardiola by six months, and together they transformed the club. Under his influence, City became the first English side to reach 100 points in a season, win four consecutive league titles, and sweep all domestic trophies in 2019. He was the first City men’s player to win the PFA Player of the Year award, doing so twice.
