{"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":"2025-06-16T12:31:52.942Z","locale":"en","age":33,"stb_id":"kevin-de-bruyne","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Kevin De Bruyne","top_position":null,"introduction":"Kevin De Bruyne, born on 28 June 1991 in Belgium, is a highly celebrated professional footballer known for his brilliant playmaking abilities and versatility. Currently, he plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Belgium national team. His career is dotted with numerous accolades, including multiple Premier League titles and individual awards such as the PFA Players' Player of the Year.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nKevin De Bruyne was born in Drongen, a sub-municipality of Ghent, in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium known as Flanders. His mother was born in Burundi and spent time in the Ivory Coast before returning to Belgium. The multicultural background of his family influenced his upbringing in a diverse environment. Growing up, De Bruyne developed a passion for football, influenced by the rich football culture of his locality. His early education and youth development revolved around nurturing his burgeoning talent.\n\n## Youth Career\nDe Bruyne embarked on his football journey in 1997 with local club KVV Drongen. After two years, he relocated to Gent before making a significant move to Genk in 2005. This marked the beginning of a promising career path, as he honed his skills within Genk's youth system. De Bruyne's perceptible talent ensured he was promoted to Genk's first-team squad by 2008, setting the stage for his professional career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\nKevin De Bruyne's professional career took off at Genk, where he quickly became a mainstay and contributed significantly to their Belgian Pro League triumph in the 2010–11 season. His impact at Genk led to a high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2012, though first-team opportunities were scarce, resulting in a loan spell at Werder Bremen where he excelled.\n\nFollowing a permanent move to Wolfsburg in 2014, De Bruyne emerged as a pivotal figure, helping the team secure the 2014–15 DFB-Pokal. His performances caught Manchester City's eye, leading to a significant transfer in 2015 for a then-club record fee. With Manchester City, De Bruyne has been instrumental in multiple Premier League victories (2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23) and the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2022–23.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nKevin De Bruyne represented Belgium at various youth levels before making his senior debut.\n\n### Senior National Team\nDe Bruyne's senior debut for Belgium came in 2010, and he swiftly became a cornerstone for his national team. He played vital roles in multiple major tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the latter seeing Belgium finish in a respectable third place. Following the retirement of former captain Eden Hazard, De Bruyne was named the captain of Belgium’s national team in March 2023.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nDe Bruyne is heralded for his ability to function in numerous roles across the midfield. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, he possesses exceptional vision, passing range, and technical skills, which allow him to create scoring opportunities. His capability to execute precise crosses, coupled with an accurate and powerful shot, makes him a versatile threat in various attacking scenarios. Despite not having imposing physical strength, his intelligence, positioning, and agility set him apart as one of the elite playmakers of his generation.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his illustrious career, Kevin De Bruyne has consistently delivered top-notch performances. Specific statistics highlight his impact: in multiple Premier League seasons, he has recorded double-digit assists, once equaling the record of 20 assists in a single season. As of his latest appearances, De Bruyne has surpassed 100 international caps with Belgium.\n\n## Records\nDe Bruyne has set multiple records, including tying the Premier League single-season assist record and being the first player to reach 20 assists in a season in two of Europe's top leagues.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Premier League Titles: six times with Manchester City\n- UEFA Champions League: 2022–23\n- DFB-Pokal with Wolfsburg: 2014–15\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Bundesliga Player of the Year (2014–15)\n- Premier League Player of the Season: 2019–20, 2021–22","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nKevin De Bruyne’s career continues to leave a substantial footprint on football, especially noted for his contribution to Manchester City’s domestic and European successes and his leadership role in Belgium's national team.\n\n## Off the Field\nDe Bruyne has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including being an ambassador for the Special Olympics and participating in charitable initiatives like Common Goal. He, along with his wife, act as 'godparents' for the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund.\n\n## Personal Life\nDe Bruyne is married to Michèle Lacroix, with whom he has three children. He is multilingual, speaking Dutch, English, French, and German. Off the field, De Bruyne maintains a strong public presence, backed by a narrative of resilience and professionalism, showcased in his autobiography, 'Keep It Simple'.","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, born on 28 June 1991 in Belgium, is a highly celebrated professional footballer known for his brilliant playmaking abilities and versatility. Currently, he plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Belgium national team. His career is dotted with numerous accolades, including multiple Premier League titles and individual awards such as the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Kevin De Bruyne was born in Drongen, a sub-municipality of Ghent, in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium known as Flanders. His mother was born in Burundi and spent time in the Ivory Coast before returning to Belgium. The multicultural background of his family influenced his upbringing in a diverse environment. Growing up, De Bruyne developed a passion for football, influenced by the rich football culture of his locality. His early education and youth development revolved around nurturing his burgeoning talent.

Youth Career

De Bruyne embarked on his football journey in 1997 with local club KVV Drongen. After two years, he relocated to Gent before making a significant move to Genk in 2005. This marked the beginning of a promising career path, as he honed his skills within Genk's youth system. De Bruyne's perceptible talent ensured he was promoted to Genk's first-team squad by 2008, setting the stage for his professional career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Kevin De Bruyne's professional career took off at Genk, where he quickly became a mainstay and contributed significantly to their Belgian Pro League triumph in the 2010–11 season. His impact at Genk led to a high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2012, though first-team opportunities were scarce, resulting in a loan spell at Werder Bremen where he excelled.

Following a permanent move to Wolfsburg in 2014, De Bruyne emerged as a pivotal figure, helping the team secure the 2014–15 DFB-Pokal. His performances caught Manchester City's eye, leading to a significant transfer in 2015 for a then-club record fee. With Manchester City, De Bruyne has been instrumental in multiple Premier League victories (2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23) and the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2022–23.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Kevin De Bruyne represented Belgium at various youth levels before making his senior debut.

Senior National Team

De Bruyne's senior debut for Belgium came in 2010, and he swiftly became a cornerstone for his national team. He played vital roles in multiple major tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the latter seeing Belgium finish in a respectable third place. Following the retirement of former captain Eden Hazard, De Bruyne was named the captain of Belgium’s national team in March 2023.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

De Bruyne is heralded for his ability to function in numerous roles across the midfield. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, he possesses exceptional vision, passing range, and technical skills, which allow him to create scoring opportunities. His capability to execute precise crosses, coupled with an accurate and powerful shot, makes him a versatile threat in various attacking scenarios. Despite not having imposing physical strength, his intelligence, positioning, and agility set him apart as one of the elite playmakers of his generation.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his illustrious career, Kevin De Bruyne has consistently delivered top-notch performances. Specific statistics highlight his impact: in multiple Premier League seasons, he has recorded double-digit assists, once equaling the record of 20 assists in a single season. As of his latest appearances, De Bruyne has surpassed 100 international caps with Belgium.

Records

De Bruyne has set multiple records, including tying the Premier League single-season assist record and being the first player to reach 20 assists in a season in two of Europe's top leagues.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Premier League Titles: six times with Manchester City
UEFA Champions League: 2022–23
DFB-Pokal with Wolfsburg: 2014–15

Individual Achievements

Bundesliga Player of the Year (2014–15)
Premier League Player of the Season: 2019–20, 2021–22

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Kevin De Bruyne’s career continues to leave a substantial footprint on football, especially noted for his contribution to Manchester City’s domestic and European successes and his leadership role in Belgium's national team.

Off the Field

De Bruyne has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including being an ambassador for the Special Olympics and participating in charitable initiatives like Common Goal. He, along with his wife, act as 'godparents' for the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund.

Personal Life

De Bruyne is married to Michèle Lacroix, with whom he has three children. He is multilingual, speaking Dutch, English, French, and German. Off the field, De Bruyne maintains a strong public presence, backed by a narrative of resilience and professionalism, showcased in his autobiography, 'Keep It Simple'.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Man City August 2015 - June 2025	6	8
Belgium January 2010 - Now	3	2

Kevin De Bruyne: Career