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Fairy-Tale Final-Day Display

In a dramatic final match of the 2021/22 campaign, the Belgian playmaker showcased his greatness with a match-winning assist that earned another Premier League crown for Manchester City. Behind 2-0 to the visitors with a mere 20 minutes to play, the title seemed likely for Anfield. Yet, spurred by two quickfire goals from City, De Bruyne seized control. A piercing run down the wing culminated in a accurate cross to his teammate, whose precise finish on 81 minutes sent the Etihad Stadium into frenzy.

A Memorable Send-Off

Months before his departure, De Bruyne declared he would finish his long-standing tenure at the Etihad at the end of the season. Just days later, in a sun-drenched fixture against the Eagles, the leader delivered a superb performance, scoring one and creating another in a dominant 5-2 victory. Seconds into the second half, his turn seemed to halt a group of opposing players, granting him time to pick out Mateo Kovačić, who made it 3-2. It was later revealed that De Bruyne was “a bit surprised” not to be given a new agreement, making this display all the more satisfying.

Full Debut in Commanding Style

On 15 September 2015, a shiny-cheeked the new signing was given his maiden starting appearance for the club, selected in an advanced role by the Chilean coach after an injury to the Spanish playmaker in the warm-up. His performance was a debut that signaled a decade of excellence from a player who would go on to win consecutive professional football awards in the following seasons. Despite City fell 2-1 to the Hammers, the new arrival appeared cut-price, dictating the game while demonstrating a burst of pace that some of his peers did not possess.

When It Mattered Most, Cometh Kevin

The Belgian was instrumental in a comprehensive 4-1 win over the Gunners on during the title run-in. He bagged twice and set up another from a set-piece that found his teammate for a goal. The initial strike came after just the early stages, with De Bruyne gliding forward, cutting inside, and beating the Arsenal shot-stopper at his left side. For his second, he controlled a pass from the striker and fired an instant effort that for a second time beat the keeper. The opposition side had entered the match with a five-point lead at the top of the table, but De Bruyne’s showing was key in turning the championship battle in City’s favor, finally helping them secure the Premier League title as part of an memorable triple crown success.

Emotional Goodbye

In his last home game, the legendary midfielder emerged for his final bow as a Sky Blues player in front of the adoring fans. Following the match, he stated: “I hoped to play with flair, I aimed to play with emotion. I hoped to enjoy football and I believe everyone enjoyed it. All has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the ultimate expression of myself and the players in front of me have made me more complete than I was before. It has been an honour to play with these guys. I have made so many friends for life.” Although Bournemouth were beaten 3-1, the great man struck an easy chance, rattling the woodwork. “Awful,” De Bruyne admitted. “There’s no excuses. My child is going to be very hard on me today.”

Cruel Blow and Knockout Magic

On the day De Bruyne picked up a severe knee and ankle injury against their opponents on during the 2015/16 season, just four months had elapsed since his debut, but he was already so precious to the team’s setup that the gaffer later admitted his absence caused the collapse of City’s season. Earlier that month, De Bruyne’s introduction off the bench had swung the Carabao Cup semi-final: he netted, then set up the Argentine’s decisive goal. However, soon after came the awful injury. In the following period after he was substituted injured, City experienced four setbacks, including three in a row, two of which were in the domestic competition. The coach noted: “In the moment he was injured, of course this proved crucial. He was in a excellent moment, making important things.”

What a Strike

During a Champions League night, against the Ukrainian side, De Bruyne read a loose pass from an opponent, the Spaniard advanced with the ball before laying it back to De Bruyne. Then came the brilliance: from about 20 yards out and centrally, the number 17 unleashed a bending shot that slammed into the top right-hand corner of the goalkeeper’s net. In a close group game, the Belgian’s contribution was vital. A second goal from Raheem Sterling sealed a 2-0 win.

Brace Display Against the Whites

Following five weeks out, the star came back and bagged twice in a comprehensive win over Leeds on a mid-December evening. The first came from a perfect pass from Rodri that found De Bruyne down the side – a swish of his weaker foot and the ball sped past the Leeds number one. His brace was more impressive: a powerful rocket that also eluded Meslier and came a little after the coach had shown clear disgust at De Bruyne for ducking a tackle, which presented an opponent an opening.

Playmaking Brilliance and a Tiff

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