Kevin De Bruyne has completed a high-profile move to Napoli, signing for the Italian champions after ending his 10-year spell at Manchester City.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder joins Antonio Conte’s squad on a free transfer, turning down a lucrative offer from MLS side Chicago Fire in favour of remaining in Europe’s top-tier competition.
His move to Serie A ensures De Bruyne will continue playing Champions League football next season.
Napoli unveiled the signing with a dramatic computer-generated image showing De Bruyne seated on a throne wearing a crown, captioned “King Kev is here.”
De Bruyne departs Manchester City as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015, he made 422 appearances and scored 108 goals, playing a central role in the club’s unprecedented period of dominance.
During his time at City, De Bruyne helped secure six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023, completing a historic Treble under Pep Guardiola.
His departure was announced before the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with the Belgian receiving an emotional send-off at the Etihad Stadium after his final home match against Bournemouth. He made a brief appearance in City’s final domestic fixture at Fulham.
Reflecting on his time at the club, De Bruyne said: “It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It’s been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure. I’m super proud to have played a part in that. Manchester has been my home and my family’s home for these past 10 years.”
City have wasted no time addressing his departure, bringing in midfielders Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon as part of a creative overhaul.
De Bruyne being welcomed to Napoli by club president Aurelio de Laurentiis.
De Bruyne will now join a Napoli midfield that includes former Premier League players Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.
The club, under new management by Antonio Conte, narrowly clinched the Serie A title last season and is aiming to make a deep run in the Champions League.
With this move, De Bruyne continues his career at the highest level of European football—offering Napoli both elite experience and world-class vision in the heart of midfield.
