Kevin De Bruyne is aiming for a memorable farewell as Manchester City prepares to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. After a decade of extraordinary success at the club, the Belgian midfielder’s time at City is drawing to a close with the conclusion of the Premier League season, and this final match represents his last chance to add to his impressive collection of trophies.
Over the past ten years, De Bruyne has become Manchester City’s most decorated player. His accolades include six Premier League titles, five League Cups, a Champions League trophy from 2023, and two FA Cup victories. This season, he has the opportunity to secure a third FA Cup medal and further cement his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Despite his consistent brilliance over the years, this season has been a challenging one for both De Bruyne and Manchester City. The team has struggled to maintain the dominance they established in previous years, finishing 18 points behind league champions Liverpool and facing the threat of missing out on Champions League qualification by finishing outside the top four. This decline coincides with De Bruyne’s own dip in form, with only six goals and eight assists recorded this season a sharp contrast to his career totals of 108 goals and 177 assists in 419 appearances.
Still, De Bruyne’s influence remains undeniable. His vision, creativity, and leadership on the pitch have been pivotal to City’s rise as a dominant force in English football. Teammates and coaches alike acknowledge his irreplaceable role in the squad. Striker Erling Haaland, who has enjoyed playing alongside De Bruyne, described the Belgian as “a dream” to receive passes from, emphasizing how special it has been to share the field with him. Haaland also noted the inevitable changes that will come with De Bruyne’s departure, recognizing the challenge of finding a player who can match his unique qualities.
Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his gratitude for De Bruyne’s immense contribution to the club. He seemed somewhat remorseful over the occasions he overlooked De Bruyne this season while trying to adapt an ageing midfield. Yet Guardiola made it clear that De Bruyne’s record-breaking haul of titles is a testament to the player’s outstanding impact during his time at City.
The club and its fans have shown their appreciation in remarkable ways. A giant mural celebrating De Bruyne and his trophy-laden career was unveiled in Manchester city centre, highlighting the city’s admiration for the midfielder. Guardiola also hinted that a statue outside the Etihad Stadium could soon honor De Bruyne’s lasting legacy.
For the 33-year-old midfielder, Saturday’s FA Cup final isn’t just about the silverware — it’s about leaving Manchester City on a high note. Having already achieved so much, De Bruyne is determined to finish his chapter at the club with one more trophy around his neck.
City’s players share this sentiment. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic said the team’s sole focus is to secure the trophy and make the day special for De Bruyne. Kovacic praised him as a “massive figure” in City’s success story, describing the midfielder as a champion who deserves to leave the club with pride and glory.
De Bruyne himself has expressed surprise at the club’s decision not to extend his contract, believing he still has the ability to perform at the highest level. Yet, beyond personal feelings, the FA Cup final presents a final chance to celebrate his remarkable journey in Manchester and to bid farewell in fitting style.
In recent memory, De Bruyne demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance, notably in a commanding 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace just last month, where he contributed a goal and an assist. City will be hoping he can replicate that performance on the biggest stage, giving fans and teammates alike a final dazzling display of his talent.
For a player who has been synonymous with Manchester City’s golden era, the hope is that his final act will be to lift another trophy a perfect tribute to a player whose passion, skill, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
