By Martin Graham
Kevin De Bruyne played his final game at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, receiving a heartfelt tribute from fans, teammates, and staff. The Belgian midfielder, who has spent a decade at Manchester City, was visibly moved by the farewell, as was manager Pep Guardiola, who described the night as a “sad day.”
Although City secured a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, De Bruyne’s personal performance did not reflect the occasion’s significance. He missed a clear opportunity in the first half and was later taken off following a red card for teammate Mateo Kovacic. Despite the quiet finish on the field, the atmosphere in the stands was electric, with chants and emotional displays marking his departure.
De Bruyne addressed the fans after full-time, saying he hoped people enjoyed watching him play and thanking everyone for helping him reach his potential. Guardiola echoed those sentiments, acknowledging the strong bond between De Bruyne and the club’s supporters. The manager noted that while trophies matter, the respect and love shown to the midfielder were what truly stood out.
Ahead of the game, Manchester City revealed a series of tributes to the departing captain. A new mosaic and a street named after him were unveiled at the club’s academy. A mural celebrating his contributions was also painted in the Northern Quarter, highlighting the player’s impact both on and off the pitch.
Scarves bearing De Bruyne’s name were seen throughout the crowd, and the matchday programme featured a special image of him wearing the Premier League crown. The farewell coincided with a Bruce Springsteen concert nearby, but it was De Bruyne who stole the spotlight.
Despite his missed goal, the match ended with a guard of honour, a family appearance on the pitch, and a montage showcasing his highlights from ten years at the club. Messages from former teammates like Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and Raheem Sterling played on the screen, adding to the emotional weight of the night.
De Bruyne leaves with 16 major honours, including multiple league titles, and a reputation as one of the greatest to ever wear the City shirt. Since his debut in 2015, he has made 283 Premier League appearances, with 119 assists and 72 goals to his name. Only Ryan Giggs has registered more assists in the competition’s history.
Guardiola hailed De Bruyne as the second-best passer he has coached, only behind Lionel Messi. His influence extended well beyond numbers – De Bruyne redefined creativity in the Premier League, leading in chances created since his arrival.
As for his next destination, De Bruyne hinted that leaving was not entirely his decision, revealing surprise at not receiving a contract extension. A move to Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire a possible destination, could be on the horizon. Meanwhile, City are left with the challenge of replacing him. While the club has backed away from a deal for Florian Wirtz, players like Morgan Gibbs-White and in-house options such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish could step into larger roles.
Former defender Micah Richards and pundit Jamie Redknapp both emphasized that De Bruyne is irreplaceable. Richards called on Foden to rise to the occasion, while Redknapp described the Belgian as a unique talent. De Bruyne, reflecting on his journey, said the club felt like “home” and that his children now consider themselves Mancunians.
