Kevin De Bruyne confirms he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season. After nearly a decade of success, the Belgian star opens up about his future, his legacy, and the next chapter of his career.
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Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing to an emotional close one of the most successful chapters in both his career and the club’s history.
The Belgian playmaker, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, joined City in the summer of 2015 from Wolfsburg and quickly became the heartbeat of the team under Pep Guardiola.
Over nearly a decade at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne has been instrumental in helping City dominate English football. His vision, passing range, and intelligence on the pitch have defined an era, guiding the club to multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and, most notably, the long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023. His partnership with players like Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and more recently Erling Haaland has been at the core of City’s relentless style and success.
But all good things eventually come to an end. Speaking after scoring in City's recent 5-2 win over Crystal Palace, De Bruyne acknowledged that the time has come for a new chapter though the next destination remains unknown.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” he said when asked about his future. “The decision to leave wasn’t made that long ago. Nothing gets decided in just a week in the world of football. I haven’t seen my family since making the decision. I need to talk to them and see which team wants me,” the 33-year-old told Viaplay Fotball. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a player known more for his precision and poise than for emotion.
De Bruyne also made it clear that he’s not done yet not physically, not mentally, and certainly not competitively. “There are always challenges. I don’t know what will happen next season. If a team approaches me and convinces me they have a strong sporting project… Of course, I know I’m no longer the youngest, but I still believe I can play at the highest level,” he added with quiet confidence.
While retirement does not appear to be on the horizon, De Bruyne’s next move will undoubtedly draw attention from across the footballing world. Whether it’s a stay in the Premier League, a return to Belgium, a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, or even a lucrative offer from the Middle East or China, any destination would represent the next big storyline in the career of a player who has already done it all in Europe.
So far this season, despite dealing with injuries earlier in the campaign, De Bruyne has made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and delivering eight assists. Though his minutes have been carefully managed, his impact remains undeniable. His ability to control the tempo, split defences with pinpoint passes, and deliver in big moments continues to separate him from most of his peers.
Beyond the numbers, however, it’s the legacy De Bruyne leaves at Manchester City that will be hardest to replace. A true leader on and off the pitch, he has served as vice-captain and set an example with his work ethic, professionalism, and composure under pressure. His influence extends beyond goals and assists he is a symbol of the club’s transformation into a European powerhouse.
For City fans, the news of his departure will be bittersweet. There is sadness in knowing the end is near, but also immense gratitude for everything he has contributed since his arrival. As the club prepares for life without him, questions will inevitably arise about who might fill the void but one thing is certain: there will never be another Kevin De Bruyne.
With a few months still to play this season, including a tight Premier League title race and another shot at Champions League glory, De Bruyne still has a chance to add to his incredible list of achievements. Whether it ends with more silverware or simply a standing ovation on the final day, his exit will mark the end of an unforgettable era in Manchester City’s history.
Updated: 10:31, 13 Apr 2025
