As the sun set over Goodison Park on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Kevin De Bruyne stood in the mixed zone, his voice steady but laced with emotion. Manchester City had just secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Everton, thanks to late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic. Yet, the spotlight wasn’t on the scoreline but on De Bruyne, the club’s departing captain, who revealed his shock at the club’s decision not to offer him a new contract. “There was a little bit of shock,” he admitted, reflecting on a brief, impersonal meeting with City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, and CEO, Ferran Soriano. “I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year, and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it.”
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder, who will turn 34 in June, has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s golden era since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million. Over a decade, De Bruyne amassed 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the 2023 Champions League, which capped a historic treble. With 106 goals and 117 Premier League assists—the most in the competition’s history—he redefined the role of a central midfielder under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage. Yet, despite his glittering resume, City’s decision to let his contract expire in June 2025 marks the end of an era, leaving fans and De Bruyne himself grappling with the abrupt farewell.
The announcement came earlier in April, when De Bruyne took to social media to share the bittersweet news. “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye,” he wrote, his words heavy with gratitude and resignation. “Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life.” The days leading up to the public disclosure were tough. “It was half a week until I reported it out, and it wasn’t nice,” he shared after the Everton match. “My family weren’t home. They were on holiday, so it was a bit weird, but it is what it is.” The emotional weight of keeping the news private was palpable, but once shared, he felt relief. “After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew.”
De Bruyne’s surprise stems from his belief in his enduring quality. “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing,” he insisted, a sentiment echoed by his performance at Goodison Park, where he earned applause from Everton fans—a rare gesture for an opponent. “It’s something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team, so I just want to say thank you to them,” he said, acknowledging their appreciation for his artistry. Despite recent injury struggles, including a thigh issue that sidelined him earlier this season, De Bruyne has started 19 matches in 2024-25, proving his worth in a City side battling to secure Champions League qualification after a turbulent campaign.
City’s decision, described by De Bruyne as “business-driven,” reflects a broader squad overhaul. The club, which surrendered its four-year Premier League title streak, spent £180 million in January and eyes young talents like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz to replace the aging midfielder. Guardiola, who was involved in the decision but absent from the pivotal meeting, called De Bruyne “one of the greatest” in Premier League history, admitting, “It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.” Yet, he emphasized the need to “move forward,” citing De Bruyne’s injury-plagued recent seasons and the physical demands of elite football.
As De Bruyne approaches free agency, speculation swirls about his next move. The Saudi Pro League and MLS, particularly David Beckham’s Inter Miami, have shown interest, with the latter appealing to De Bruyne’s family-oriented priorities. However, he hasn’t ruled out staying in the Premier League or joining another European club. “I’m open for anything because I have to look at the whole picture,” he explained. “I’m looking at sporting reasons, family, and everything together.” His wife, Michele, and three young children, all under 10, will play a significant role in his decision, as will his ambition to represent Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
De Bruyne’s final months at City coincide with the FA Cup semifinals and the Club World Cup, though his participation in the latter’s knockout stages would require a short-term extension—a prospect he’s yet to commit to. For now, he’s focused on giving his all. “I can’t be here and not be 100%,” he said, vowing to honor the club that “gave me everything.” As City plans a “fitting tribute” for their legend, De Bruyne’s legacy—etched in trophies, records, and the hearts of fans—remains untouchable. The Etihad may soon see a statue in his honor, but for De Bruyne, the next chapter beckons, wherever it may lead.