In a poignant letter published this Thursday, Kevin de Bruyne formalized what many feared: the summer of 2025 will mark the end of his adventure with Manchester City. After ten seasons spent under the Skyblue colors, the Belgian environment announced that he was living his last months at the club.
“It will always be our house,” a-How written by evoking Manchester, his adopted city. A departure of emotion for a player who brilliantly embodied the Guardiola era and the irresistible ascent of City among European giants.
Arrived in 2015 from Wolfsburg, Kevin de Bruyne marked the history of the club: 413 games played, 106 goals and especially a vertiginous total of 153 assists in all competitions. Architect of the Citizen game, he was the metronome of the team during his best years, with the culmination of the historic triple of 2023. Between his vista, his surgical strikes and his intelligence of game, he will remain as one of the greatest players in the history of City, in the same way as Hauro or Yaya Touré.
De Bruyne no longer has its place in Manchester City.
This 2024-2025 season seems to mark a relative decline in Belgian maestro: only 2 goals in 20 Premier League games, some physical seeds and a less dominant influence. At 33, the time may have come to pass the torch. His entourage evokes approaches from MLS and Saudi Arabia, two destinations that could offer him a last prestigious challenge.
De Bruyne, the icon of a golden generation
But more than its statistics, it is its longevity, its regularity and its elegance that will remain engraved. Kevin de Bruyne has become the symbol of a conquering, ambitious, structured city. He inspired a whole generation of supporters and knew, season after season, to remain one of the finest strategists in world football.
With this announced departure, a whole decade ends. And if City will have to write a new chapter, the inheritance left by KDB, it will never fade. The Mancunian people are preparing to say goodbye to one of their greatest artists. And there are still a few pages to write … before the end clap.
