After ten years, 14 major trophies, and countless moments of magic, Kevin De Bruyne is preparing to say goodbye. But first, one last Wembley final.
The Belgian midfielder, 33, will likely pull on Manchester City’s sky blue for the final time in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. The Premier League season still has one round to go, but for De Bruyne — and many City supporters — this match is the moment.
“I didn’t expect it to end like this,” De Bruyne admitted last week, speaking with reporters. “I still feel I can play at the top level.”
Few would argue. Even as City stumble through an underwhelming season, De Bruyne has flashed signs of the player who once dictated every game he touched. One of those flashes came against Palace just last month, when he scored and assisted in a 5-2 comeback win.
It was a reminder — if any were needed — of his influence, his vision, and the way he always seemed two moves ahead.
“He’s irreplaceable,” said Erling Haaland, City’s lead striker. “To get the ball from him is a dream. Every pass has purpose. Every game, he gave you something.”
A Decade of Dominance
Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has reshaped City’s identity. His numbers are eye-watering: 108 goals and 177 assists in 419 appearances. More than the stats, though, was the timing. His best often came when it mattered most.
Six Premier League titles. Five League Cups. Two FA Cups — possibly three, if Saturday goes his way. And, of course, that long-sought Champions League crown in 2023.
“He’s the most decorated player in our history,” said Pep Guardiola. “That says everything.”
Yet despite all that, there’s no new contract. No announcement of a testimonial. Just the growing certainty that, after the season, De Bruyne will move on — perhaps to Major League Soccer, perhaps elsewhere in Europe. The club has been tight-lipped. The player, respectful but quietly frustrated.
“It surprised me,” De Bruyne said. “But I’m at peace. I’ve given everything.”
A Season to Forget
For City, this season has been a far cry from their recent dominance. The club that won four league titles in a row now trails Liverpool by 18 points. Guardiola’s men are scrapping just to secure a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Part of that dip is down to injuries and inconsistency. De Bruyne himself has been in and out of the side, contributing just six goals and eight assists — a quiet return by his high standards.
But even Guardiola, who has often shuffled his midfield in search of balance, has acknowledged the veteran’s lasting importance.
“The gratitude I have for Kevin is massive,” the City boss said. “We’ll miss him more than people realise.”
On Thursday, a mural of De Bruyne was unveiled in central Manchester, a tribute to his decade of brilliance. A statue at the Etihad is expected to follow.
One More Chance
Still, for a player who has always preferred action over ceremony, Saturday offers something more valuable: one last trophy.
“The whole team is focused on getting the trophy for Kevin,” said Mateo Kovacic, one of De Bruyne’s midfield partners this season. “He deserves to leave like a champion. He already is one — but this would make it special.”
De Bruyne’s eyes will be on the match, not the occasion. That has always been his way.
“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about winning. That’s what I came here to do.”
And if history has shown anything, it’s that when Kevin De Bruyne steps onto the pitch with a medal in sight — he usually walks off with it.
