It was a night filled with cheers, tears and gratitude at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City confirmed it will build a statue of Kevin De Bruyne to mark the end of his glittering 10-year spell at the club.
The announcement came moments after City’s final home game of the season, a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, which also served as De Bruyne’s last appearance at the Etihad in sky blue. The 33-year-old Belgian, who will leave this summer, was given a hero’s send-off by a packed stadium.
“This means I’ll always be part of this club,” De Bruyne told City presenter Natalie Pike. “Whenever I come back with family and friends, I’ll be able to see myself. So, I’ll always be here.”
It was an emotional farewell for a man many fans call “King Kev”. During his decade at City, De Bruyne made more than 400 appearances, scoring and assisting countless goals, and playing a key role in securing 19 major trophies. That haul includes five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a long-awaited Champions League crown.
Tuesday’s ceremony was a fitting tribute. After the final whistle, De Bruyne was presented with a framed shirt signed by teammates and staff, and a lifetime season ticket. A moving video montage of his finest moments lit up the big screen, while chants of his name rang around the ground.
Outside the stadium, City will now begin work on a permanent tribute in the form of a statue. It will join those of other club legends, including Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Agüero—figures who, like De Bruyne, helped turn City into one of Europe’s elite.
“This is a proud moment, not just for Kevin, but for everyone who’s watched him play and grow here,” said City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who also unveiled a mosaic in De Bruyne’s honour earlier in the day at the City Football Academy. “He’s been the heartbeat of our team.”
The mosaic joins a growing tribute wall featuring other club greats, such as Yaya Touré, Joe Hart, and Ilkay Gündoğan.
Fans and pundits alike have praised the club’s decision to honour De Bruyne. BBC Sport’s Ian Dennis called it “the least he deserves” and added: “He’s changed the way the game is played in England.”
Supporters flooded social media with tributes of their own. “He’s our best-ever midfielder,” wrote one. “A true leader and magician on the pitch.”
No word yet on where De Bruyne will head next, though retirement has not been confirmed. What’s certain is his place in Manchester City’s history is now secure—set in stone for all to see.
As fans poured out of the Etihad into the night, there was a shared feeling: they had just said goodbye to a legend. But thanks to the statue, he’ll never truly be gone.
