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Roy of the Rovers Title-Deciding Show

In a dramatic final match of the 2021/22 campaign, City’s midfield genius demonstrated his greatness with a match-winning contribution that earned another Premier League crown for the Sky Blues. Trailing 2-0 to the visitors with just over 20 minutes remaining, the title seemed likely for their rivals. Yet, after two quickfire goals from City, the maestro seized control. An explosive sprint down the side resulted in a perfect cross to İlkay Gündoğan, whose composed finish on 81 minutes drove the home crowd into frenzy.

A Fitting Send-Off

In early April 2025, De Bruyne revealed he would conclude his decade-long tenure at the Etihad at the conclusion of the season. A week after, in a glorious fixture against Crystal Palace, the captain turned in a superb performance, bagging one and providing another in a comprehensive 5-2 victory. Early in the second period, De Bruyne’s pivot seemed to halt multiple opposing players, giving him room to pick out the Croatian, who made it 3-2. Sources indicated that De Bruyne was “a bit surprised” not to be given a new contract, making this performance all the more meaningful.

Full Debut in Cruise Control

On 15 September 2015, a young De Bruyne made his first start for City, deployed in an advanced role by Manuel Pellegrini after an problem to David Silva in the warm-up. The result was a initial display that heralded a lengthy period of dominance from a player who would later win consecutive individual accolades in recent years. Although City were defeated 2-1 to the Hammers, the new arrival appeared cut-price, controlling the game while exhibiting a acceleration that some of his peers lacked.

When It Mattered Most, The Star Shines

De Bruyne was decisive in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Arsenal on during the title run-in. He scored a brace and created another from a set-piece that reached the defender for a header. His first came after just the early stages, with the number 17 gliding forward, changing direction, and outsmarting the goalkeeper at his near post. For his second, he controlled a pass from the striker and fired an instant shot that once more wrong-footed the keeper. Mikel Arteta’s side had entered the match with a five-point lead at the top of the table, but De Bruyne’s performance was vital in swinging the league pursuit in the home side’s favor, finally helping them secure the Premier League title as part of an unprecedented triple crown triumph.

The Last Dance

During his farewell match, De Bruyne appeared for his final match as a Manchester City player in front of the home faithful. Following the match, he said: “I hoped to play with creativity, I aimed to play with emotion. My desire was to love football and I trust everyone enjoyed it. Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and my teammates in front of me have made me improved than I was before. It is an privilege to play with these guys. I have made so many friends for life.” Despite the Cherries were overcome 3-1, the star failed to convert an easy chance, striking the woodwork. “A bad miss,” De Bruyne admitted. “There’s no excuses. My child is going to be very critical on me today.”

Cruel Blow and Semi-Final Brilliance

After the star suffered a significant ligament injury against Everton on 27 January 2016, a mere four months had passed since his first appearance, but he was already so precious to the manager’s side that the boss later admitted his loss caused the wheels to come off of City’s season. Prior to, the Belgian’s introduction had changed the Carabao Cup semi-final: he netted, then created his teammate’s clincher. Yet, next came the serious injury. In the six weeks after he was carried out, City suffered four setbacks, including three in a sequence, two of which were in the league. The manager said: “When he was injured, naturally this proved critical. He was in a very good moment, doing important things.”

Sensational Goal

On 26 September 2017, against the Ukrainian side, the Belgian picked off a poor pass from an opponent, his teammate advanced with the ball before laying it back to the playmaker. Next came the brilliance: from approximately 20 yards out and straight, the number 17 fired a curling shot that flew into the upper ninety of Andriy Pyatov’s net. In a tight Champions League match, his contribution was pivotal. A additional goal from the winger sealed a 2-0 win.

Double Display Against Leeds

After five weeks sidelined, the star was back and bagged two goals in a dominant victory over United on 14 December 2021. The initial goal came from a excellent pass from the Spanish midfielder that sent De Bruyne down the left channel – a swipe of his weaker foot and the ball flew past Illan Meslier. The next goal was more spectacular: a 20-yard screamer that again eluded Meslier and came a little after the coach had shown visible anger at De Bruyne for ducking a tackle, which presented an opponent an chance.

Playmaking Brilliance and a Tiff

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