When you think about Manchester City’s golden moments over the last decade, Kevin De Bruyne’s name shines brighter than most.
But as his final home game approaches this Tuesday, there’s a bittersweet feeling hanging in the air.
It’s not just about a player leaving; it’s about saying goodbye to one of the most influential figures in City’s modern history.
His farewell will be more than just a match — it will be a heartfelt celebration of a man who helped transform the club into a footballing powerhouse.
A Surprising Link to City’s Past
Few know that De Bruyne shares a unique connection with Manchester City’s history that goes beyond the pitch.
Back in late 2023, while watching his son play football on a small Cheshire pitch, he casually chatted with Jon Bell — son of Colin Bell, the legendary “King of the Kippax.”
Their kids sometimes played together, and the comparison between the two City icons was impossible to ignore.
Colin Bell was a hero of a different era, a symbol of City’s glory days in the ’60s and ’70s. De Bruyne, meanwhile, has become the star of the club’s current golden age.
Both are admired for their skill, their shy personalities, and the injuries they battled.
Both captivate generations, but in their own distinct ways. It’s less about who is “better” and more about the legacy each left.
De Bruyne even became the first City midfielder since Bell to score 100 goals, linking the past and present in a poetic way.
The Emotional Farewell
De Bruyne’s final game at the Etihad won’t just be any ordinary fixture.
The club has planned a grand send-off fitting for someone who has been the heart of City’s success.
From a lifetime season ticket presented by the Bell family to a spectacular light show, the night will be packed with moments to remember.
But the farewell is tinged with sadness. This is not the exit De Bruyne expected.
Many thought he would extend his contract, continuing to wear the City blue for another year or more.
Instead, the club decided otherwise, partly due to his hefty wage demands and concerns over his physical condition.
Bernardo Silva captured it perfectly when he said, “A bit of the soul of the team is going.”
Coming to Terms with the End
At first, the news was tough for De Bruyne to accept.
He believed his future was still his to decide. Over time, he started engaging with the club about how to mark his departure, although it took a phone call from a board member to clear the air.
His family’s absence at a recent key match was noticeable — something that rarely happens.
Now, pragmatic and realistic, De Bruyne is accepting what’s next.
He’s fielding interest from other clubs across Europe and beyond, ready to turn the page but clearly not without some emotional weight.
The Changing Player We’ve Seen
The De Bruyne fans fell in love with — relentless, fiery, and unstoppable — has changed.
While he still produces magic moments, his body no longer allows him to operate at the intense pace he once did.
Friends and insiders say he struggles when he can’t fully impact games, and that frustration is a part of who he is.
Yet, what a player he has been. From being a doubted Chelsea reject to a Premier League legend, De Bruyne’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
The kid once rejected by a host family for being different now commands the respect of football royalty.
He plays with a rare combination of raw power and delicate finesse, and his vision on the pitch has left fans and opponents alike in awe.
Moments That Define a Legacy
De Bruyne’s highlights read like a footballing fairytale — those four goals against Wolves, the pinpoint assists for Erling Haaland, the thunderous free-kicks, and game-winning performances against giants like Real Madrid.
Who can forget his assist for John Stones at Liverpool or his cheeky stare-down of David de Gea at Old Trafford? His incredible comeback after a serious hamstring injury last season was a testament to his determination and grit.
Calling him a genius doesn’t quite capture it. He’s more than that — a once-in-a-generation talent who made football look like art.
The Toll of Injuries and the Human Side
That hamstring injury, described by surgeons as a “wet paper towel,” was a cruel blow that changed the course of his career at City.
De Bruyne had pushed himself to the limits, playing through pain to help the team, but eventually, his body said no.
The months out were tough, softening his usual fiery nature but not diminishing the humor and wit those close to him adore.
Friends like Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, and Raheem Sterling — who share a close bond with De Bruyne’s family — describe him as both intense and surprisingly funny once you get to know him.
His passion for football is rivaled only by his obsession with details, from training routines to diet, showing just how meticulous he is about his craft.
A Complex Character Off the Pitch
De Bruyne’s personality is a fascinating contrast. Calm and zen-like at home, he can be fiery and even a little stubborn on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola has learned to manage him carefully, knowing that De Bruyne isn’t one to shy away from voicing his opinions.
He’s a thinker — often lost in his own world calculating and planning, a bit obsessive but incredibly focused.
The respect between player and manager runs deep, even if they don’t always see eye to eye.
It’s this mutual understanding that helped make De Bruyne the King of the Premier League house.
Looking Ahead
As Tuesday’s game approaches, fans, teammates, and the entire City community are preparing to give De Bruyne a send-off that matches his immense contribution.
It’s a moment to celebrate his legacy, reflect on his incredible journey, and say thank you to a player who defined an era.
Whatever comes next, Kevin De Bruyne’s place in Manchester City’s history — and football’s — is forever secure.