Key Takeaways:
- Belgian playmaker confirms exit from City at end of current season
- De Bruyne has amassed 16 trophies including six Premier League titles
- Limited to just 19 starts in 2023/24 campaign due to injury and rotation
End of an Era at the Etihad
Kevin De Bruyne has officially announced his intention to leave Manchester City when his current contract expires at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. The 33-year-old midfielder took to social media to share the news, bringing a close to nearly a decade of extraordinary service at the Premier League giants.
“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter,” De Bruyne wrote in a heartfelt message to fans.
Dear Manchester. 💙 pic.twitter.com/2EdhVYOLti
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) April 4, 2025
A Legacy of Silverware and Influence
Since arriving from Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s rise to domestic and European dominance under Pep Guardiola. Over the course of his City career, he has lifted an impressive 16 major honours, including:
| Competition | Titles Won |
|---|---|
| Premier League | 6 |
| Champions League | 1 (2022/23) |
| FA Cup | 2 |
| EFL Cup | 5 |
| Community Shield | 2 |
De Bruyne’s influence has extended far beyond silverware. Renowned for his vision, creativity and immaculate passing range, the Belgian has become one of the most iconic midfielders of his generation.
2023/24 Struggles and Reduced Role
This season has seen a noticeable dip in De Bruyne’s playing time, with the midfield maestro starting just 19 matches across all competitions. Following an extended spell on the sidelines due to injury at the beginning of the campaign, he has had to navigate a return in a squad increasingly rich with emerging talent and options across the midfield.
What Comes Next?
Though details regarding his next destination are currently unknown, De Bruyne is likely to attract significant interest from top clubs around Europe, as well as lucrative options abroad. City will now begin preparing for life without their long-serving talisman, with the summer transfer window shaping up to be pivotal in reshaping their midfield dynamics.
More updates on De Bruyne’s future and Manchester City’s plans are expected in the coming weeks.