Kevin De Bruyne has officially completed a stunning move to Napoli, bringing an end to his glittering ten-year career with Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker, a true icon of the Premier League era, was unveiled by the reigning Serie A champions, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Italy and closing one of the most decorated spells in English football history.
KING KEV IS HERE 👑
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) June 12, 2025
💙 #ProudToBeNapoli | #ForzaNapoliSempre | #WelcomeKevin pic.twitter.com/7lh3BDGues
The 33-year-old’s departure from the Etihad Stadium was confirmed earlier this year. After a decade of unparalleled success, Manchester City opted against extending his contract, setting the stage for one of the most high-profile free transfers of the summer. While many anticipated a lucrative swansong in Saudi Arabia or the MLS, De Bruyne’s ambition to continue competing at the highest level of European football remained undimmed. His decision to join Napoli is a testament to that enduring competitive spirit.
The Path to Naples
Speculation surrounding the midfielder’s next destination was intense. A potential Premier League lifeline with Aston Villa was briefly considered but never materialised, allowing Napoli to move decisively. The Italian club, fresh from their Scudetto triumph, identified the Belgian maestro as the marquee signing to elevate their squad for both domestic and European challenges.
The deal accelerated quickly, with fans tracking his arrival in Naples for a medical on Thursday. The official confirmation soon followed, delivered through a series of celebratory social media posts. Club president Aurelio de Laurentiis captured the moment, sharing a photograph of a handshake with a smiling De Bruyne holding his new shirt, accompanied by the simple yet powerful caption: “Benvenuto Kevin!”
The agreement sees the playmaker sign an initial two-year contract, keeping him at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona until the summer of 2027. The Partenopei have also secured an option to extend the deal by an additional twelve months, signalling their long-term faith in his quality.
A New Era for Kevin De Bruyne
In moving to Naples, Kevin De Bruyne joins a squad brimming with talent and familiar faces. He will link up with his international teammate, Romelu Lukaku, rekindling a formidable partnership for both club and country. His arrival continues a trend of former Premier League stars finding success in southern Italy.
Last season, Napoli’s title-winning campaign was bolstered by key contributions from players honed in England. Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay made impactful switches from Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United, respectively. Philip Billing, on loan from Bournemouth, also played a crucial role. The addition of a player of De Bruyne’s calibre represents a significant escalation of this successful recruitment strategy. He is not just another player; he is a statement of intent from a club determined to build on its success.
The Unforgettable Etihad Legacy
While his final season at Manchester City—which yielded six goals and eight assists in 40 appearances—concluded without the fairytale ending he may have wished for, Kevin De Bruyne leaves the club as an undisputed legend. His impact on the Citizens and the Premier League is immeasurable.
Over 422 appearances, he was the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s dominant side. His statistics are simply staggering: 108 goals and a phenomenal 177 assists, resulting in 285 direct goal contributions. His trophy cabinet reflects a player who has, by any measure, completed football. He won an incredible 18 major honours, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Club World Cup.
His individual accolades further cement his status. With four Manchester City Player of the Year awards, he stands level with club icon Richard Dunne. In the Premier League, his 121 assists place him second only to Ryan Giggs on the all-time list, while his 20 assists in the 2019-20 season remain a joint record alongside Thierry Henry. Even last season, standout performances against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest were powerful reminders that his class is permanent.
One of the greatest creative midfielders to ever grace English football now takes his dazzling skills to a different shade of blue. For Napoli, the arrival of Kevin De Bruyne is more than a transfer; it is the acquisition of a serial winner and a generational talent, ready to orchestrate their title defence and illuminate Serie A.
