Italian Serie A champions Napoli have officially confirmed the signing of Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer, following his departure from English giants Manchester City.

The move comes after City opted not to renew the 33-year-old’s contract, bringing an end to a decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium. In April, the club announced De Bruyne’s exit, while the player described the decision as purely “a business decision.”

Sources close to the negotiations have disclosed that De Bruyne has penned a two-year contract with the Naples-based club, with the option of an additional year should both parties agree.

The former City playmaker reportedly completed his medical in Rome before meeting with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to finalize the agreement.

 

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De Bruyne had attracted serious interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) sides, notably Inter Miami and Chicago Fire. However, he chose to remain in Europe’s elite football scene by joining Napoli, a side currently riding high after their Serie A triumph.

The Belgian international was said to be keen on continuing at the highest competitive level, with the UEFA Champions League being a major motivating factor in his decision.

De Bruyne made his final appearance for Manchester City as a substitute in their 2-0 win over Fulham on the last day of the Premier League season. Last term, he contributed four goals and seven assists in 28 league games.

 

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Over his 10-year spell in Manchester, the midfield general racked up 422 appearances, netted 108 goals, and registered a staggering 170 assists. His efforts helped City to 19 major honours, including multiple Premier League and Champions League titles.

With De Bruyne now set to join forces with fellow Belgian international Romelu Lukaku, Napoli fans are hopeful the pair can deliver success both domestically and in Europe. The club will be eyeing another strong Serie A campaign and a serious challenge for the UEFA Champions League crown.

 

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Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires this summer, bringing an end to his illustrious spell at the club.

The Belgian midfielder, who turns 34 this summer, announced on social media that these will be his final months as a City player.

In his statement, De Bruyne expressed deep gratitude for the time he has spent with the club, acknowledging how Manchester City has shaped both his career and personal life.

He reflected on the journey that saw him win six Premier League titles and contribute 106 goals and 174 assists in 413 appearances since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015.

 

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He mentioned that while it was a difficult decision to leave, the time had come, and he wanted to share the news directly with his supporters. De Bruyne also emphasized the special bond he and his family share with Manchester, calling it “home” and noting that “Manchester” will forever be a part of their lives.

The announcement has sparked speculation regarding his next move, with interest reportedly coming from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful eras for Manchester City, and his legacy will be remembered for his crucial role in the club’s rise to dominance in English football.

A thread for a six-time Premier League champion, Kevin De Bruyne ✨

Starting with his first, 2017/18 📸 pic.twitter.com/uVXDIwMTEl

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2025

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This prestigious lineup celebrates the exceptional performances of the most outstanding players over the past year.

The FIFPRO World 11 (2024):

Goalkeeper

• Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)

Defenders

• Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
• Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)

Midfielders

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
• Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
• Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)

Forwards

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)

This year’s selection highlights Manchester City’s dominance, with four players representing the club, a testament to their remarkable success during the 2023/2024 season. Real Madrid also made a strong showing, further underscoring their influence in global football.

The FIFPRO World 11 is unique among football awards as it is decided exclusively by professional players, offering unparalleled authenticity and recognition from peers.

The lineup underscores the brilliance of these stars and their contributions to the game over the past year.

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• FIFPRO announces its shortlist for 2024

FIFA has unveiled the final shortlist of 26 players nominated for inclusion in the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, celebrating their outstanding performances for their respective clubs.

This exclusive award is determined by the players themselves, making it the only global honor based solely on votes from professional footballers. Manchester City leads with eight representatives in the shortlist, a testament to their exceptional performances across all competitions last season.

The FIFPRO Men’s World XI aims to assemble the best starting XI from the top football talent worldwide over the past year. The nominees come from a pool of over 28,000 professional footballers spanning 70 countries. Each player selects the top three goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from an initial list of 250 candidates.

The final team consists of the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the highest number of votes. The remaining outfield player with the most votes completes the prestigious XI.

Who are the players on FIFPRO’s final shortlist for 2024?

Goalkeepers:

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Below is a detailed breakdown of the top earners in football for the year 2024, taking into account their on-field salaries as well as off-field earnings from endorsements and business ventures.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2024:

10. Kevin De Bruyne

– Age: 33 | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Belgium
– On-Field: $35 million • Off-Field: $4 million
De Bruyne earns a total of $39 million annually, with $35 million coming from his playing contract with Manchester City and an additional $4 million from endorsements with brands like Nike, McDonald’s, and Credit Karma.

9. Sadio Mane

– Age: 32 | Club: Al Nassr | Nationality: Senegal
– On-Field: $48 million • Off-Field: $4 million
Mane’s move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia significantly increased his earnings, making him one of the highest-paid players globally with a $48 million salary and $4 million from endorsements.

8. Mohamed Salah

– Age: 32 | Club: Liverpool | Nationality: Egypt
– On-Field: $35 million • Off-Field: $18 million
Salah remains a vital part of Liverpool’s success, earning $35 million from his playing contract and $18 million from endorsements, bringing his total to $53 million.

7. Vinicius Junior

– Age: 24 | Club: Real Madrid | Nationality: Brazil
– On-Field: $40 million • Off-Field: $15 million
Vinicius Jr. has become one of football’s top earners, with a $40 million salary and $15 million from brand deals, including PlayStation and Pepsi.

6. Erling Haaland

– Age: 24 | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Norway
-On-Field: $46 million • Off-Field: $14 million
Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific scorer, earns $46 million in wages and $14 million through endorsements, totalling $60 million annually.

5. Kylian Mbappe

– Age: 25 | Club: Real Madrid | Nationality: France
-On-Field: $70 million • Off-Field: $20 million
After his high-profile move to Real Madrid, Mbappe earns $70 million on the field, with an additional $20 million from endorsements. His total earnings reach $90 million.

4. Karim Benzema

-Age: 36 | Club: Al Ittihad | Nationality: France
-On-Field: $100 million • Off-Field: $4 million
Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad landed him a $100 million salary and $4 million from endorsement deals.

3. Neymar

– Age: 32 | Club: Al Hilal | Nationality: Brazil
-On-Field: $80 million • Off-Field: $30 million
Neymar’s switch to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia earns him $80 million on the pitch, complemented by $30 million from endorsements and sponsorships.

2. Lionel Messi

-Age: 37 | Club: Inter Miami | Nationality: Argentina
-On-Field: $60 million • Off-Field: $75 million
With his move to Inter Miami, Messi earns $60 million on the field, along with $75 million off the field through his endorsements and business ventures.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

-Age: 39 | Club: Al Nassr | Nationality: Portugal
-On-Field: $220 million • Off-Field: $65 million
Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning a staggering $220 million from his playing contract with Al Nassr and $65 million from off-field endorsements.

These players dominate the sport and leverage their global appeal to maximize earnings through brand partnerships and business ventures.

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The reigning champions showed no early nerves, with Phil Foden scoring twice within the first 20 minutes to give City a commanding lead. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus made the match interesting with an impressive overhead kick, but Rodri restored City’s two-goal cushion in the second half.

City’s midweek win over Tottenham Hotspur had positioned them at the top of the table, overtaking Arsenal heading into Gameweek 38. Although Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 win against Everton, with goals from Takehiro Tomiyasu and a last-minute strike from Kai Havertz, it was not enough to surpass City.

This title marks City’s tenth English League championship and their eighth Premier League title. They also became the first team to win the league four consecutive times, finishing at the top in six of the last seven seasons.

City began their title defense strongly, winning their first six matches before a loss to Wolves in late September. They also faced the setback of losing key playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to injury on the opening weekend, with the Belgian returning only in early January.

A defeat to Arsenal before the October international break temporarily knocked City off the top spot, and they even fell behind Aston Villa as Arsenal and Liverpool had spells leading the table. A four-game winless streak from November to December, including a loss at Villa Park, seemed to hand the title initiative to their rivals. However, City remained undefeated thereafter, drawing only four matches and winning the rest.

Despite the pressure of being a game behind Arsenal for much of the campaign due to their involvement in other competitions, City won nine straight games during the run-in to secure the title.

Erling Haaland, despite facing criticism during his second season at the Etihad Stadium, played a crucial role with 27 league goals. Phil Foden’s outstanding season earned him individual awards, and Kevin De Bruyne, despite his injuries, still managed double-digit assists. Summer signings Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Jeremy Doku made positive contributions, while Matheus Nunes had a more subdued impact.

HISTORY MAKERS 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/FHngXJlKim

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024

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Pep Guardiola has clarified his decision to substitute Kevin De Bruyne during Manchester City’s draw with Liverpool, which elicited a frustrated reaction from the star player.

During the pivotal Premier League match at Anfield, with City and Liverpool deadlocked at 1-1, De Bruyne was replaced with just over 20 minutes remaining. The substitution visibly irked the attacking midfielder, who was later seen discussing the matter with Guardiola while seated on the bench.

However, Guardiola has dismissed any notion of discord between them and explained that he brought on Mateo Kovacic instead to enhance his team’s ability to maintain possession.

Asked about De Bruyne’s frustration, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “That’s good. Have a chance next game to prove it. We need a player who keeps the ball. Its not about pressing. Kovacic is really good at that. We were happy with Kevin. It’s not a problem. We’re fine.”

Kevin De Bruyne played a crucial role in Manchester City’s performance during the heavyweight clash at Anfield. His delivery from a corner led to City taking the lead when John Stones redirected the ball into the net after 23 minutes.

Despite City’s strong first-half display, they faced a tougher challenge after halftime, with Liverpool equalizing from a penalty converted by Alexis Mac Allister after goalkeeper Ederson fouled Darwin Nunez. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.

Following Sunday’s result, Manchester City finds themselves in third place in the Premier League standings, trailing Liverpool and Arsenal by just one point.

De Bruyne is expected to return to the starting lineup for City’s upcoming FA Cup match against Newcastle, while Liverpool will shift their focus to their Europa League encounter against Sparta Prague on Thursday.

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The Premier League has unveiled the six contenders for the inaugural Player of the Month award for January 2024.

Competing for the coveted title are Elijah Adebayo (Luton), Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Gabriel (Arsenal), and Richarlison (Tottenham).

Here’s a closer look at each nominee:

1. Elijah Adebayo (Luton)
– Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 0
– Goals: 3, Assists: 0
– Adebayo’s standout performance included a first-career hat-trick, contributing significantly to Luton Town’s 4-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

2. Conor Bradley (Liverpool)
– Played 2, Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 0
– Goals: 1, Assists: 3
– The 20-year-old right-back showcased his versatility with a goal and three assists, making an impactful debut in Liverpool’s matches against AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea.

3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
– Played 2, Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 0
– Goals: 1, Assists: 2
– De Bruyne’s return from injury was marked by influential performances, including a goal and an assist in Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle United, followed by another assist against Burnley.

Introducing 2024's first @premierleague Player of the Month nominees.

Vote for January's winner now: https://t.co/xz2IGc9jvn#FC24 pic.twitter.com/C33JQzmigk

— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) February 8, 2024

4. Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
– Played 3, Won 3, Drawn 0, Lost 0
– Goals: 2, Assists: 3
– Jota’s exceptional form throughout January included five goal involvements, playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s unbeaten run with impressive displays against various opponents.

5. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
– Played 2, Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 0
– Goals: 2
– The Brazilian center-back showcased his prowess at both ends of the pitch, contributing two goals in Arsenal’s resounding 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

6. Richarlison (Tottenham)
– Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 0
– Goals: 2, Assists: 0
– Richarlison’s impact was felt in both of Tottenham Hotspur’s matches, scoring crucial goals in their unbeaten run throughout January, notably securing a comeback win against Brentford.

These remarkable performances highlight the exceptional talent and contributions of each nominee, setting the stage for a fiercely contested Player of the Month award.

6️⃣ standout stars ✨

Who is your @EASPORTSFC Player of the Month? 🏆#PLAwards | 🗳️ Watch their highlights and vote: https://t.co/mPN5HlvGUJ pic.twitter.com/E7TjWemmJk

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 8, 2024

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Manchester City players showcased their dominance in the FIFPRO World Men’s Team, which FIFA unveiled at an awards ceremony in London. The team, comprised of the best men’s players from the previous season, was determined by votes from over 28,000 professional footballers.

Six stars from Manchester City, who achieved a remarkable Treble last season, featured prominently in the team. Surprisingly, there was no representation from Manchester United players. Lionel Messi was the sole player outside of Europe to secure a spot in the team, which adheres to a 3-3-4 formation and highlights the best men’s players.

In addition to the player accolades, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, was named the Best FIFA Men’s Coach. Guardiola guided several of the City stars included in the team to extraordinary success during the previous season.

The recognition solidifies Manchester City’s exceptional achievements and the impact of their players and coach on the world football stage.

2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World XI

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois.

Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias.

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jude Bellingham.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.

🚨 Introducing the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men's #World11, voted for exclusively by players.#TheBest | @FIFAWorldCup | @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/nZjisXo8OQ

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 15, 2024

Speaking on the six players included in the team, Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “To win five trophies in 12 months is incredible and we are delighted to see so many of our players recognised for their incredible contribution.

“The whole squad were outstanding and the club is very proud to have six players named in the Team of the Year.

“Everyone at the club worked incredibly hard and they continue to have a determination to bring even more success.

“It’s a very special group of players and this is a deserved tribute to the hard work and desire that runs throughout the club.”

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Pep Guardiola has shared an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s return date as the Belgian star works towards recovery from hamstring surgery. De Bruyne has been sidelined since mid-August, forced off in the 23rd minute of Manchester City’s Premier League season opener against Burnley.

In a positive development, Guardiola suggested that City fans can look forward to seeing De Bruyne back in action during the festive period. This update brings optimism to De Bruyne’s return, providing hope for his participation in upcoming matches for Manchester City.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the club’s Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig, Guardiola said: “I’d love to have him (De Bruyne) all season but he has had surgery and has to recover well. The end of December or [in the] new year will be a Happy New Year for everyone!”

The manager also provided updates on some of the other injury City stars including John Stones as he added: “We have training now but we’ll see this afternoon… I’m not optimistic about good news for some people to come back… John Stones is getting better… Not to play but maybe a few minutes for the next one.”

The defending Premier League winners have recently had a number of injury problems. The 52-year-old manager said during their match against Liverpool on Saturday that he was having trouble selecting a starting lineup since several players in his team were sick.

With 12 points from four games, the Sky Blues have already advanced to the Champions League knockout rounds. Guardiola is certain to make some new player additions before the team plays RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

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Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has addressed the claims by fans suggesting that he is one of the co-writers of Canadian rapper Drake’s new song, ‘Wick Man.’

When Drake’s track was released, the credits included “K. De Bruyne” as one of the writers for ‘Wick Man‘ from the artist’s latest project, ‘Scary Hours 3.’ This sparked speculation among fans about the midfielder’s potential hidden songwriting talent.

In response, the Belgium captain humorously addressed the situation on his Twitter page. De Bruyne shared a photo of himself with Drake and a screenshot of the song credit, making light of the claims and adding a playful touch to the speculation.

He captioned, ”@Drake needed an assist.”

. @Drake needed an assist. pic.twitter.com/xc8B3sewyS

— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) November 17, 2023

In a follow-up tweet, Kevin De Bruyne, who admitted to being a huge fan of the rap star Drake, clarified that he wasn’t the one credited on the song.

Despite the initial speculation and the shared photo with Drake, the Manchester City star humorously set the record straight, confirming that the credit under “K. De Bruyne” for ‘Wick Man’ does not refer to him as a co-writer of the song.

He wrote,“All jokes aside, it’s not me! Huge fan though!”

all jokes aside, it's not me! Huge fan though!

— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) November 17, 2023

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The shortlist for the world’s most prestigious individual football award has been unveiled in anticipation of the ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris. Leading the pack are Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, two of the standout contenders for this coveted accolade.

Messi’s inclusion is especially significant as he was absent from the shortlist last year. If he secures the men’s Ballon d’Or this year, it would mark his eighth win of the award, with Cristiano Ronaldo closely following with five victories. Additionally, Messi earned the Best FIFA Men’s Player award for the second time in February.

The announcement of the winner is scheduled to take place during a ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.

Messi’s leadership was instrumental in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in December, a major achievement that had eluded him throughout his remarkable 21-year career until then.

Messi had a mixed year for his club. He struggled at Paris Saint-Germain, but he did help the team win its 11th Ligue 1 title as they were eliminated from the Champions League at the round of 16 stage for the second consecutive season.

He chose to join Inter Miami on a free transfer this summer instead of staying in Paris, and he immediately made a difference by helping them win the Leagues Cup and advance to the U.S. Open Cup final.

Erling Haaland, who was also nominated, could be Messi’s toughest rival for the honour. The Norwegian forward helped Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League by tallying 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions.

In his first season in England, the 23-year-old shattered the Premier League’s single-season goal-scoring record with 36 goals.

The striker also took up a number of individual honours for his outstanding exploits, including PFA Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season, and Men’s Player of the Year from the Football Writers’ Association.

As expected, the list of nominees for this year’s award is heavily populated by players from Manchester City and Argentina.

Seven individuals who played pivotal roles in Manchester City’s triumphant treble-winning season, including Erling Haaland, have secured spots on the shortlist. Additionally, four Argentine players, including Lionel Messi, who contributed to their nation’s historic third World Cup victory, have also earned well-deserved nominations.

Full list of men’s Ballon d’Or nominees:
André Onana – Manchester United/Cameroon
Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City/Croatia
Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad
Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich/Germany
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool/Egypt
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England
Randal Kolo Muani – Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City/Belgium
Bernardo Silva – Manchester City/Portugal
Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa/Argentina
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli/Georgia
Rúben Dias – Manchester City/Portugal
Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan/Italy
Erling Haaland – Manchester City/Norway
Yassine Bounou – Al Hilal/Morocco
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal/Norway
Julián Álvarez – Manchester City/Argentina
Ilkay Gündogan – Barcelona/Germany
Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid/Brazil
Lionel Messi – Inter Miami/Argentina
Rodri – Manchester City/Spain
Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan/Argentina
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid/France
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona/Poland
Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kim Min-jae – Napoli/South Korea
Victor Osimhen – Napoli/Nigeria
Luka Modric – Real Madrid/Croatia
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England

The nominees for the 2023 Men’s Ballon d’Or are here! 🤩🏆

Plenty of Premier League representation! 👊 pic.twitter.com/VplS8vkZGD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2023

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