Kevin De Bruyne Announces Man City Exit After 10 Iconic Years

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester: Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a legendary decade with the Premier League champions.

An Emotional Farewell

The 33-year-old Belgian Footballer announced in a heartfelt social media post on Friday. He referred to the remainder of the season as his “final months” at the club.

“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here,” De Bruyne wrote.

With his contract expiring this summer, his departure marks the end of a golden era for both club and player.

From Record Signing to Club Legend

De Bruyne joined City in 2015 from Wolfsburg for a then-club record fee of around $71 million. Over ten seasons, he played 413 matches, scored 106 goals, and became the beating heart of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

“This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what?, We won EVERYTHING,” he added. “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.”

A Decade of Dominance

The Belgian maestro helped City win 16 major trophies, including:

• 6 Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021–2024)
• 1 UEFA Champions League (2023)
• 2 FA Cups (2019, 2023)
• 5 English League Cups
• 1 UEFA Super Cup (2023)
• 1 FIFA Club World Cup (2023)

He was twice named Premier League Player of the Season, in 2019–20 and 2021–22. His best scoring season came in 2021–22 when he netted 15 league goals.

Premier League Greatness

De Bruyne has made 280 Premier League appearances, scoring 70 goals and delivering 118 assists. That puts him second on the all-time Premier League assist list, behind only Ryan Giggs (162).

According to Opta, he also holds the best minutes-per-assist ratio in league history among players with 50 or more appearances – one every 177 minutes.

Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City-By the Numbers

From Chelsea Reject to City Icon

De Bruyne’s career might have taken a very different path. After signing for Chelsea from Genk in 2012, he made just two league starts. He left in 2014 for Wolfsburg, where he rebuilt his confidence and became one of Europe’s best midfielders.

That breakout year in Germany convinced City to make him their record signing in 2015 — a decision that changed both his career and the club’s history.

What Comes Next?

While De Bruyne confirmed his departure, he didn’t reveal where he plans to go next. He also didn’t specify whether he’ll take part in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which runs from June to July in the United States.