Manchester City will honour Kevin De Bruyne with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium to celebrate his decade-long service, the club announced on Tuesday.
De Bruyne confirmed last month that he will depart City after 10 years following the expiration of his current contract at the end of the season.
The Belgian midfielder played his final game at the Etihad and his penultimate game for the club, as City defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday to edge closer to securing Champions League football for next season.
De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has been one of the best players in the world and arguably the best in the English top flight over the past decade. He amassed over 400 appearances, scoring 108 goals and providing 177 assists, winning 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title.
The 33-year-old was honoured by his teammates, club staff, and fans with a well-deserved victory lap at the end of the match as he was accompanied by his wife and kids.
He also received a special framed shirt signed by all his teammates and staff, and was presented with a lifetime City season card, with a special tribute video aired on the big screen at the Etihad.
“It means I will always be part of this club,” he said about the statue.
“Whenever I come back with family and friends, I will be able to see myself so I will always be here.”
Our Kev
pic.twitter.com/hv3wkUYrbG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
De Bruyne will become the seventh player to be honored with a statue by City, joining former captain Vincent Kompany and midfield maestro David Silva, who were both honored with theirs in 2021, while talismanic forward Sergio Aguero got his in 2022 as the club’s all-time record goal scorer.
In 2023, City also honoured the iconic trio of Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, and Colin Bell with a statue in recognition of their impact within the club.
