In a heartfelt announcement that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the 2024-25 season, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year tenure with the Premier League giants. The Belgian maestro, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, made the revelation on April 4, 2025, via a poignant statement on social media, signaling the close of an era for both the player and the club.
De Bruyne joined Manchester City from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 for a then-club-record fee of £55 million. At the time, his arrival was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, given his earlier struggles during a brief stint at Chelsea. However, any doubts about his ability were swiftly dispelled as he transformed into the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side.
Over the past decade, De Bruyne has amassed an astonishing haul of accolades, cementing his legacy as one of Manchester City’s greatest-ever players. In 413 appearances, he has scored 106 goals and provided 174 assists, averaging a goal or assist every 108 minutes—an extraordinary statistic that underscores his relentless creativity and precision. His trophy cabinet boasts six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown (won as part of the historic 2022-23 treble), two FA Cups, five League Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup, among others. With 16 major honors, he stands as the club’s most decorated player.
In his emotional farewell message, De Bruyne addressed the Manchester City faithful directly: “Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here—and you deserve to hear it from me first.”
He continued, “Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me everything. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”
The 33-year-old’s decision comes as his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, allowing him to leave as a free agent. While speculation about his future had been rife in recent months—fueled by interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League—De Bruyne’s statement offered no hints about his next destination, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder what lies ahead.
De Bruyne’s impact at Manchester City transcends statistics and silverware. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of games have made him the linchpin of Guardiola’s system. From threading pinpoint through-balls to unleashing thunderous long-range strikes, he has consistently delivered moments of magic that will live long in the memory of City supporters.
His standout seasons include the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, during which he was named the PFA Player of the Year—an accolade that highlighted his status as the Premier League’s premier midfielder. Yet, the past two seasons have been marred by injury setbacks, reducing his influence on the pitch and prompting questions about his long-term future. Despite these challenges, De Bruyne’s class remains undeniable, and his departure will leave a gaping hole in City’s midfield.
De Bruyne’s exit marks the end of a golden chapter for Manchester City. Since his arrival, the club has evolved into a dominant force in English and European football, with the Belgian playmaker serving as the creative fulcrum of their success. His partnership with Guardiola, who joined the club a year after De Bruyne in 2016, has been nothing short of symbiotic, producing a brand of football that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The emotional weight of his departure was perhaps best captured in the tearful embrace between player and manager following City’s Champions League triumph in 2023. “Seven years of fighting, we did it,” Guardiola was heard saying—a testament to the shared journey that culminated in the club’s first European title.