‘I Was a Bit Surprised’ – Kevin De Bruyne Speaks Out After Training in Diego Maradona’s No. 10 at Napoli

A Beloved Legend Returns… in a Suit of Honour

It wasn’t just another media day for Kevin De Bruyne. At Napoli’s unveiling—his first public appearance since joining from Manchester City on a free transfer—the Belgian maestro was gifted a rare tribute: the chance to train while wearing Diego Maradona’s iconic No. 10 shorts. The symbolic gesture left Kevin De Bruyne visibly moved, admitting he was surprised, proud, and deeply honoured.

“I was a bit surprised in the beginning,” he confessed with a shy grin. After all, Maradona’s No. 10 jersey has been retired by Napoli in a deeply emotional farewell to their most cherished legend. And yet, in a tasteful show of trust, the club entrusted Kevin De Bruyne with the honour—and with it, a responsibility.

WHAT HAPPENED? Kevin De Bruyne’s Unforgettable Debut in Purple

Napoli’s latest summer signing, fresh off a decade-long dominance at Manchester City, face a pressure cooker of expectations in Naples. But rather than completely shy away from history, the club reached back into their past—handing Kevin De Bruyne shorts stitched in the same purple (training kit) and adorned with the golden No. 10.

That first training session in that sacred number was broadcast live to a buzzing stadium. Cameras captured his stunned expression when he realised the gift, and the cheers from Napoli supporters echoed like a collective exhale—Aware, appreciative, and hopeful.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Hopes Meet Heritage

Atalanta BC v SSC Napoli – Serie A

Napoli’s gesture isn’t just a publicity stunt—it’s a statement. A symbol of how Kevin De Bruyne is being welcomed into the fabric of the city, not on top of it. Maradona is more than a footballer in Naples: he’s a cultural icon, a near-sacred figure. Retiring the No. 10 in his honour was a permanent tribute—and now, allowing its symbolic touch to Kevin De Bruyne speaks volumes.

For KDB, it was a chance to honour the weight of history while forging his own path in Italy’s south. A well-timed embrace of heritage—a handshake between past and present.

WHAT Kevin DE BRUYNE SAID: Balancing Reverence and Realism

At the media unveiling, Kevin De Bruyne was given time to reflect:

“I was a bit surprised… Obviously I know that the number was retired. But in another way, it’s an honour. It’s an honour from the team and from the club to give me this responsibility.”

He went on to brush aside suggestions that wearing No. 10 shorts might add pressure:

“I don’t think it adds any more pressure. I think the pressure comes from itself—if you play for big teams like Napoli, the pressure will be there.”

The man who produced record-breaking seasons in Manchester and starred on the world stage knows all about footballing expectations—but underscored how his job was no different this time around: “I’m grateful. I’m proud. But I’m my own player… I’m going to try and do the job the best I can.”

DID YOU KNOW? The Legend Lives on

Between 1984–1991, Diego Maradona etched an indelible legacy at Napoli: lifting the club to unprecedented heights, including their first-ever Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup triumph. The city adored him—he was their champion, their storyteller, their miracle worker.

The No. 10 was retired in 2000, but the spirit of Maradona permeates every corner of Naples: from the chants in the Catacombs, to graffiti in the old town, to the stands at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

WHAT NEXT FOR Kevin DE BRUYNE? A Fresh Start, With Old Friends

Belgium v Wales – FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier

De Bruyne will embark on the 2025–26 season donning No. 11 in official matches—a nod to the club’s respect for history, but a clear marker that he’ll chart his own course. Already, Napoli fans are buzzing at the idea of watching their new talisman weave his magic through Serie A and Europe.

The goal? To match last season’s domestic triumphs—back-to-back Serie A crowns—and drive deeper in the Champions League. With Kevin De Bruyne’s superb vision and dead-ball precision, the Partenopei faithful are dreaming of magical moments. Of passes that break lines. Of goals that lift hearts. Of a No. 10’s spirit reborn in a No. 11’s jersey.

Inside Naples: High Expectations, Higher Heart

In a city where football is religion, Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival carries immense emotional and tactical weight. Napoli supporters have a singular demand: passion that mirrors devotion. And De Bruyne—born in Ghent, forged in Manchester—is stepping into a role that transcends football.

He’s been reminded by his new coach, new teammates, and new home that football here is faith. And faith, Napoli believes, shines brightest when history inspires the present. His training in No. 10 shorts wasn’t a gimmick—it was a cultural handshake, a reminder that past greatness lights future ambitions.

CONCLUSION: A Legacy Rekindled

When Kevin De Bruyne stood on that training pitch, shorts shimmering with Maradona’s number, it marked the intersection of legend and legacy. He was surprised, but honoured. Nervous, but ready.

The real test isn’t in the symbolism—it’s in the performance. In every goal, every assist, every touch under pressure. The city of Naples is ready to cheer, biography and boisterous. But Kevin De Bruyne knows well: honour is only earned on the pitch.

He’s not there to wear history—he’s there to write it.