Roy of the Rovers Season-Ending Performance
During the 2021/22 season finale, Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his greatness with a match-winning assist that earned another Premier League crown for the Sky Blues. Trailing 2-0 to the visitors with only 20 minutes to play, the title seemed likely for Anfield. But, after two rapid goals from City, the captain took charge. A piercing run down the right flank culminated in a perfect cross to İlkay Gündoğan, whose precise finish on 81 minutes made the home crowd into frenzy.
A Memorable Farewell
Months before his departure, De Bruyne revealed he would finish his long-standing stay at the club at the end of the season. A week after, in a sun-drenched game against the Eagles, the skipper produced a masterful performance, bagging one and assisting another in a dominant 5-2 victory. Seconds into the second half, De Bruyne’s pivot seemed to pause several opposing players, giving him room to pick out a teammate, who put City 3-2. It was later revealed that De Bruyne was “a bit surprised” not to be presented with a new deal, making this display all the more gratifying.
First Start in Commanding Style
On 15 September 2015, a shiny-cheeked De Bruyne earned his maiden starting appearance for City, fielded in attack by the Chilean coach after an problem to David Silva in the pre-match routine. The result was a first outing that foreshadowed a lengthy period of excellence from a player who would go on to win consecutive PFA Player of the Year in the following seasons. Despite City were defeated 2-1 to the Hammers, the midfielder seemed a bargain, controlling the game while demonstrating a acceleration that even his fellow stars were missing.
When It Mattered Most, Cometh Kevin
The playmaker was pivotal in a comprehensive 4-1 triumph over their rivals on a late April evening in 2023. He scored two goals and set up another from a set-piece that was headed in by the defender for a goal. The opener came after just a quick start, with the number 17 gliding forward, changing direction, and beating the Arsenal shot-stopper at his left side. For his second, he took a ball from his attacking partner and unleashed an swift effort that once more beat the Arsenal number one. The opposition side had entered the match with a comfortable advantage at the peak of the table, but his display was crucial in swinging the championship battle in the home side’s favor, finally helping them claim the Premier League title as part of an unprecedented three-trophy achievement.
Emotional Goodbye
On 20 May 2025, De Bruyne walked out for his final match as a Sky Blues player in front of the Etihad crowd. Post-game, he said: “My aim was to play with flair, I wanted to play with passion. I hoped to love football and I believe everyone loved it. All has challenged me so hard at and away from the club to be the ultimate expression of myself and these guys in front of me have made me more complete than I was earlier. It is an pleasure to play with them. I’ve made so many friends for life.” Although Bournemouth were beaten 3-1, the great man missed an open goal, hitting the crossbar. “It’s terrible,” he admitted. “There’s no reasons. My child is going to be very critical on me today.”
Painful Setback and Cup Magic
After the star picked up a significant double injury against their opponents on a winter day in 2016, just four months had passed since his first appearance, but he was already indispensable to the team’s setup that the coach later revealed his injury caused the collapse of City’s season. Before, his introduction had swung the Carabao Cup semi-final: he got a goal, then created his teammate’s clincher. However, following that came the serious injury. In the following period after De Bruyne was substituted injured, City experienced four defeats, including three in a row, two of which were in the domestic competition. Pellegrini noted: “When he was injured, undoubtedly it became critical. He was in a excellent moment, making decisive things.”
What a Strike
On 26 September 2017, facing the Ukrainian side, the midfielder picked off a poor pass from Marlos, David Silva advanced with the ball before playing it back to the playmaker. Next came the brilliance: from approximately 20 yards out and dead center, he fired a bending shot that crashed into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net. In a close group game, his intervention was pivotal. A late goal from the winger sealed a 2-0 win.
Two-Goal Display Against the Whites
Following five weeks injured, the midfielder was back and scored two goals in a 7-0 victory over United on during the festive period. His opener came from a superb pass from his teammate that found him down the side – a swish of his left foot and the ball whizzed past the goalkeeper. The next goal was more impressive: a long-range screamer that again eluded the keeper and came a little after the coach had shown obvious frustration at him for ducking a 50-50, which allowed a Leeds player an opportunity.
Two Assists and a Tiff
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