The football world buzzed with excitement as Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City legend and Belgian maestro, touched down in Naples to begin a new chapter with Serie A giants Napoli. The 33-year-old midfielder, whose decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium ended this summer with an emotional farewell, marked his arrival at his new destination with a heartfelt social media post featuring a beaming smile and the Italian flag emoji. The move, confirmed by Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, who hinted at De Bruyne’s purchase of a house in Naples, sparked a wave of support from former teammates, including Jack Grealish and Kieran Trippier, who were quick to show their love for the departing star. As De Bruyne prepares to don Napoli’s blue, his former colleagues’ reactions underscored the deep bonds forged during his transformative time at Manchester City.
De Bruyne’s arrival in Italy comes after a glittering career at City, where he made 421 appearances, scored 103 goals, and provided 170 assists, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His final season, though marred by a dip in playing time—37 appearances with 14 goals and assists combined—still earned him a fifth consecutive FIFPRO World XI selection, a testament to his enduring brilliance. Grealish, who liked City’s Instagram post celebrating De Bruyne’s accolade, was among the first to acknowledge his former teammate’s new adventure, a gesture that echoed their camaraderie. Trippier, now a stalwart at Newcastle United, also joined the chorus of support, liking De Bruyne’s post from Belgium’s training camp, where the midfielder had arrived to prepare for World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales.
“Very emotional,” De Bruyne had said after his final home game at the Etihad, where 50,000 fans stayed to honor him with a guard of honour following a 3-1 win over Bournemouth. The farewell party he hosted in Manchester, attended by Grealish, Trippier, and other teammates, was a night of celebration tinged with bittersweet farewells. Grealish, ever the life of the party, was the last to leave at 1:35 AM, weaving through a lively crowd in his signature ripped jeans. The event, marked by manager Pep Guardiola’s arrival on a bike and players donning De Bruyne masks, highlighted the Belgian’s impact both on and off the pitch. His move to Napoli, a club chasing its first Serie A title since 1990, positions him as a pivotal figure in their title ambitions, with De Laurentiis boldly asking, “Could De Bruyne be nearby to celebrate Napoli’s title?”
For Grealish and Trippier, De Bruyne’s departure is personal. Grealish, who joined City for a record-breaking £100 million in 2021, has often cited De Bruyne as his “favourite player” and a model for his own game. “Kevin De Bruyne is my favourite player. He’s probably the most perfect footballer in the Premier League,” Grealish once said, crediting the Belgian’s vision for inspiring his own playmaking. Their bond was evident in moments like Grealish gatecrashing De Bruyne’s 2023 Champions League interview with a speaker blaring Fleetwood Mac, a memory that encapsulates their off-field chemistry. Trippier, who played alongside De Bruyne during City’s 2015-16 season, has his own history with the midfielder, including a 2022 incident where he apologized for a heated foul during a 3-3 draw between Newcastle and City. “I was speaking to Kev after the game, I apologise for it,” Trippier had said, emphasizing his respect for De Bruyne’s professionalism.
De Bruyne’s move to Napoli also coincides with uncertainty at Manchester City, where Grealish faces an uncertain future. Left out of the squad for City’s crucial match against Fulham and an unused substitute in their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, the 29-year-old is reportedly considering a move, with Aston Villa and Newcastle among potential suitors. “Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player,” Guardiola said, hinting at a possible exit if Grealish’s playing time doesn’t increase. Trippier, meanwhile, remains a key figure at Newcastle, his leadership evident as he prepares for England’s World Cup qualifiers alongside De Bruyne’s Belgium.
As De Bruyne embarks on his Italian adventure, his legacy at City—marked by four Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph—sets a high bar for his time at Napoli. Belgium’s captain, with 109 caps and 30 goals, remains focused on the 2026 World Cup, and his move to Serie A offers a fresh challenge to prove his class. For Grealish and Trippier, their social media support was more than a gesture; it was a nod to a teammate who shaped their careers and the game itself. As Napoli fans dream of glory, De Bruyne’s arrival, celebrated by his former comrades, signals the start of a new era for one of football’s greatest playmakers.
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