{"id":244462,"first_name":"Kevin","last_name":"De Bruyne","short_name":"K. De Bruyne","common_name":"Kevin De Bruyne","place_of_birth":"Drongen","gender":"male","height":181,"weight":70,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:33:57.402Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-18T13:17:16.737Z","locale":"en","age":34,"stb_id":"kevin-de-bruyne","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Kevin De Bruyne","top_position":null,"introduction":"**Kevin De Bruyne** is a Belgian midfield maestro currently plying his trade at \"Manchester City FC\". Standing at 181cm tall, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the finest playmakers in modern footbal, renowned for his exceptional vision and precise passing ability. The Belgian international, born in Drongen, has become the heartbeat of both his club and country through his remarkable ability to control the tempo of matches and create scoring opportunites seemingly out of thin air.","early_life_and_career":"Born on June 28, 1991, in Drongen, Ghent, Belgium, Kevin grew up in a multicultural household with his father Herwig De Bruyne and his mother who originaly came from Burundi but was raised in London. This diverse background contributed to his impressive linguistic skills - he speaks Dutch, English, French, and German fluently. \n\nHis journey in football began at local club KVV Drongen before progressing through the yeam academies of Gent and then Genk. It was at Genk where De Bruyne would make his professional debut in 2009. The young midfielder quickly showed his potential and played a crucial role in helping Genk win the Belgian Pro League title during the 2010-2011 season. This early success caught the attention of bigger clubs, and in 2012, **Chelsea** came calling for his services. However, his time at Chelsea would prove to be a challenging period with limited playing time, forcing the young Belgian to seek opportunities elsewhere to develop his talents.","professional_career_and_highlights":"After struggling to establish himself at \"Chelsea\", De Bruyne was loaned to \"Werder Bremen\" where he flourished, netting 10 goals in 33 matches during the 2012-13 season. His performances in Germany showcased his true potential. Following his loan spell, instead of returning to \"Chelsea\", Kevin made a permanent move to \"Wolfsburg\" in 2014. \n\nAt \"Wolfsburg\", De Bruyne truly began to shine. The Belgian maestro established himself as a top-tier midfielder in European football. His time there was highlighted by winning the DFB-Pokal and being named to the Bundesliga Team of the Year. These outstanding performances caught the attention of \"Manchester City\", who secured his signature in 2015.\n\nSince joining \"City\", De Bruyne has been immense. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, he's become the creative engine room of a dominant team. His ability to pick out the perfect pass has been instrumental in \"City's\" domestic dominance. The 2022-23 season marked the pinnacle of his club career when he helped the team lift the coveted **UEFA Champions League** trophy, completing a remarkable treble. \n\nOn the international stage, De Bruyne has earned over 100 caps for Belgium and was appointed captain in March 2023, showcasing his leadership qualities and importance to the national setup.","playing_style_and_skills":"De Bruyne's playing style combines exceptional technical abilitiy with remarkable vision and intelligence. His primary strength lies in his passing range - few players in world football can match his ability to deliver both short, intricate passes and raking cross-field balls with equal precision. The Belgian possesses what coaches call \"pictures in his head\", seeing passing options before they even develop.\n\nHis versatility allows him to operate in various midfield roles. Whether deployed as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even in wider positions, De Bruyne adapts seamlessly. He reads the game brilliantly, always seeming to be one step ahead of opponents. \n\nAnother standout aspect of his game is his striking ability. The Belgian has an absolute cannon of a right foot, capable of producing powerful drives from distance that leave keepers with no chance. His set-piece delivery is equally dangerous, regularly creating scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations.\n\nDe Bruyne also possesses impressive stamina and work-rate, covering large distances during matches while maintaining his technical quality. This combination of physical attributes and technical skills makes him the complete modern midfielder - capable of controlling games, creating chances, and finding the net himself when required.","notable_achievements":"Throughout his illustrious career, De Bruyne has accumulated an impressive collection of silverware and individual accolades. With \"Manchester City\", he has won multiple **Premier League** titles, establishing himself as one of the competition's most influential players. His trophy cabinet also includes numerous FA Cup and League Cup victories, highlighting his consistent success in English football.\n\nThe crowning achievement came in the 2022-23 season when \"City\" finally claimed the **UEFA Champions League** title, completing a historic treble. On an individual level, De Bruyne has been recognized as the Premier League Player of the Season twice (2019-20 and 2021-22) and has won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award multiple times - honors that reflect the high esteem in which he is held by fans, media and fellow professionals alike.\n\nWith Belgium, he helped guide the national team to a bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup, where his performances earned him a place in the tournament's Dream Team. De Bruyne has also set Premier League assist records, demonstrating his unparalleled creativity at the highest level. His achievements with Genk earlier in his career, including the Belgian Pro League championship, showed early signs of the success that would follow him throughout his career.","impact_on_sport":"Kevin De Bruyne's impact on modern football extends well beyond his trophy collection. He has redefined the role of the attacking midfielder in the contemporary game, combining traditional playmaking skills with intense work-rate and tactical flexibility. Under Pep Guardiola at \"Manchester City\", he has been the perfect executor of a football philosophy that has dominated English football.\n\nYoung midfielders around the world now study De Bruyne's game as a template for success. His ability to deliver devastating assists from virtually any position on the pitch has raised the bar for what's expected from creative players. The Belgian has consistently ranked among the Premier League's top assist providers, changing how teams approach the art of chance creation.\n\nDespite occasional injury setbacks, De Bruyne has maintained elite performance levels well into his 30s. Now 33, he continues to be a key figure for both \"Manchester City\" and Belgium, though he has announced plans to leave City after the 2024-25 season. Currently valued at approximately €50 million and earning around €2.02 million monthly before taxes, his economic impact on the sport matches his technical contributions.\n\nPerhaps most remarkably, De Bruyne's career arc serves as an inspiration to young players facing early career obstacles. After his initial struggles at \"Chelsea\", many might have written him off as another talented prospect who couldn't make the jump to elite level. Instead, he used that setback as motivation, rebuilding his reputation in Germany before returning to England as one of the world's best midfielders. This resilience and determination complements his technical brilliance, making him not just an extraordinary player, but an exemplary professional.","stb_internal_id":"019300d2-d43d-7f6c-a4a2-a6e6852052e7","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"attacking-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian midfield maestro currently plying his trade at \"Manchester City FC\". Standing at 181cm tall, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the finest playmakers in modern footbal, renowned for his exceptional vision and precise passing ability. The Belgian international, born in Drongen, has become the heartbeat of both his club and country through his remarkable ability to control the tempo of matches and create scoring opportunites seemingly out of thin air.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Born on June 28, 1991, in Drongen, Ghent, Belgium, Kevin grew up in a multicultural household with his father Herwig De Bruyne and his mother who originaly came from Burundi but was raised in London. This diverse background contributed to his impressive linguistic skills - he speaks Dutch, English, French, and German fluently.

His journey in football began at local club KVV Drongen before progressing through the yeam academies of Gent and then Genk. It was at Genk where De Bruyne would make his professional debut in 2009. The young midfielder quickly showed his potential and played a crucial role in helping Genk win the Belgian Pro League title during the 2010-2011 season. This early success caught the attention of bigger clubs, and in 2012, Chelsea came calling for his services. However, his time at Chelsea would prove to be a challenging period with limited playing time, forcing the young Belgian to seek opportunities elsewhere to develop his talents.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

After struggling to establish himself at \"Chelsea\", De Bruyne was loaned to \"Werder Bremen\" where he flourished, netting 10 goals in 33 matches during the 2012-13 season. His performances in Germany showcased his true potential. Following his loan spell, instead of returning to \"Chelsea\", Kevin made a permanent move to \"Wolfsburg\" in 2014.

At \"Wolfsburg\", De Bruyne truly began to shine. The Belgian maestro established himself as a top-tier midfielder in European football. His time there was highlighted by winning the DFB-Pokal and being named to the Bundesliga Team of the Year. These outstanding performances caught the attention of \"Manchester City\", who secured his signature in 2015.

Since joining \"City\", De Bruyne has been immense. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, he's become the creative engine room of a dominant team. His ability to pick out the perfect pass has been instrumental in \"City's\" domestic dominance. The 2022-23 season marked the pinnacle of his club career when he helped the team lift the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, completing a remarkable treble.

On the international stage, De Bruyne has earned over 100 caps for Belgium and was appointed captain in March 2023, showcasing his leadership qualities and importance to the national setup.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

De Bruyne's playing style combines exceptional technical abilitiy with remarkable vision and intelligence. His primary strength lies in his passing range - few players in world football can match his ability to deliver both short, intricate passes and raking cross-field balls with equal precision. The Belgian possesses what coaches call \"pictures in his head\", seeing passing options before they even develop.

His versatility allows him to operate in various midfield roles. Whether deployed as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even in wider positions, De Bruyne adapts seamlessly. He reads the game brilliantly, always seeming to be one step ahead of opponents.

Another standout aspect of his game is his striking ability. The Belgian has an absolute cannon of a right foot, capable of producing powerful drives from distance that leave keepers with no chance. His set-piece delivery is equally dangerous, regularly creating scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations.

De Bruyne also possesses impressive stamina and work-rate, covering large distances during matches while maintaining his technical quality. This combination of physical attributes and technical skills makes him the complete modern midfielder - capable of controlling games, creating chances, and finding the net himself when required.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Throughout his illustrious career, De Bruyne has accumulated an impressive collection of silverware and individual accolades. With \"Manchester City\", he has won multiple Premier League titles, establishing himself as one of the competition's most influential players. His trophy cabinet also includes numerous FA Cup and League Cup victories, highlighting his consistent success in English football.

The crowning achievement came in the 2022-23 season when \"City\" finally claimed the UEFA Champions League title, completing a historic treble. On an individual level, De Bruyne has been recognized as the Premier League Player of the Season twice (2019-20 and 2021-22) and has won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award multiple times - honors that reflect the high esteem in which he is held by fans, media and fellow professionals alike.

With Belgium, he helped guide the national team to a bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup, where his performances earned him a place in the tournament's Dream Team. De Bruyne has also set Premier League assist records, demonstrating his unparalleled creativity at the highest level. His achievements with Genk earlier in his career, including the Belgian Pro League championship, showed early signs of the success that would follow him throughout his career.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Kevin De Bruyne's impact on modern football extends well beyond his trophy collection. He has redefined the role of the attacking midfielder in the contemporary game, combining traditional playmaking skills with intense work-rate and tactical flexibility. Under Pep Guardiola at \"Manchester City\", he has been the perfect executor of a football philosophy that has dominated English football.

Young midfielders around the world now study De Bruyne's game as a template for success. His ability to deliver devastating assists from virtually any position on the pitch has raised the bar for what's expected from creative players. The Belgian has consistently ranked among the Premier League's top assist providers, changing how teams approach the art of chance creation.

Despite occasional injury setbacks, De Bruyne has maintained elite performance levels well into his 30s. Now 33, he continues to be a key figure for both \"Manchester City\" and Belgium, though he has announced plans to leave City after the 2024-25 season. Currently valued at approximately €50 million and earning around €2.02 million monthly before taxes, his economic impact on the sport matches his technical contributions.

Perhaps most remarkably, De Bruyne's career arc serves as an inspiration to young players facing early career obstacles. After his initial struggles at \"Chelsea\", many might have written him off as another talented prospect who couldn't make the jump to elite level. Instead, he used that setback as motivation, rebuilding his reputation in Germany before returning to England as one of the world's best midfielders. This resilience and determination complements his technical brilliance, making him not just an extraordinary player, but an exemplary professional.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Kevin_De_Bruyne_0c4332f537.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":578369,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/DeBruyneOfficial","faceit":null,"instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/kalle14/","reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":"https://twitter.com/debruynekev","website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10403,"name":"Belgium","country_code":"BEL","iso_code":"BE","createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:26.959Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:28.788Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-5087-73b2-a337-af64b12c9010","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Belgium_BE_044db097d0.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[{"id":100,"name":"FA Community Shield 2024","createdAt":"2024-12-01T11:00:07.641Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-01T11:00:02.057Z","locale":"en","icon":null}],"footballExtra":{"id":473987,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Midfielder","foot":"right"},"membership":{"id":1001719,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2010-01-01","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T09:26:53.697Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:51:48.949Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"019329ff-3c8e-7ba9-8dc3-533e86470129","overrides":null,"team":{"id":56861,"name":"Belgium","short_name":"Belgium","tla_name":"BEL","type":"national","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football-Association","founded":1895,"colors":"Red,Black,Yellow","nicknames":"Rode Duivels,Diables Rouges,Rote Teufel","createdAt":"2024-11-14T10:19:46.006Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-11T19:00:50.896Z","website":"https://www.rbfa.be","address":"Rue de Bruxelles 480","address_city":"Tubize","address_zip":"1480","locale":"en","stb_id":"belgium","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"01932a2f-9e9c-7e9b-896b-f8a052384ec4","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":null,"sporting_achievements_html":null,"club_identity_html":null,"current_status_and_future_html":null,"logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Belgium_BE_044db097d0.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2024-2025"}}},"shirtNumber":7,"rating":7.7}

Kevin De Bruyne: Profile