Kevin De Bruyne Shines at Napoli: Did Man City Let Him Go Too Soon?

Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli Revival: Too Soon for Man City to Say Goodbye?

Kevin De Bruyne is proving he still has plenty to offer at the highest level, with a blistering start to life in Serie A raising questions over Manchester City’s decision to let their legendary midfielder walk away.

The 34-year-old joined Napoli on a free transfer this summer after his contract at the Etihad expired, ending a decorated spell that included 16 trophies and over 400 appearances.

Just months later, De Bruyne is thriving, while City’s midfield is adjusting to a new era.

De Bruyne’s Best-Ever Start to a Season

De Bruyne has eight goals and three assists in just 12 games for club and country in 2025-26, marking the most prolific start of his career.

His clinical form includes:

• A double for Belgium in a 4-2 win over Wales

• Equal-second most chances created by a midfielder in Serie A

• Three Serie A goals already, trailing only Pulisic and Orsolini

• Full fitness regained, with five starts in six league games

Compare that to his final seasons at City, where injuries restricted him to just 34 league starts across two campaigns.

“I’m playing a lot and I’m in good shape,” said De Bruyne.

Was City’s Decision Premature?

De Bruyne scores twice as Belgium dent Wales’ World Cup hopes

City allowed De Bruyne’s contract to expire amid a wider squad evolution that saw Ederson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jack Grealish depart.

Despite a solid start, Pep Guardiola’s side hasn’t fully hit top gear — and De Bruyne’s form in Italy makes his exit look increasingly questionable.

• Napoli’s gain: Immediate impact, creative engine, leadership

• City’s loss: Only Jeremy Doku comes close to matching De Bruyne’s goal contributions among current midfielders

A reunion at the Etihad in the Champions League ended quickly for De Bruyne — subbed off after 26 minutes due to Di Lorenzo’s red card — but his broader influence is unmistakable.

Belgium Role, World Cup in Sight

Even after losing the captaincy under new boss Rudi Garcia, De Bruyne has remained the heartbeat of Belgium’s midfield.

• Five goals in his first four qualifiers under Garcia

• Pushing Belgium toward their fourth consecutive World Cup

He is one of the final pillars of Belgium’s golden generation, and with 35th birthday looming in mid-2026, De Bruyne is showing no signs of slowing.

“He’s the most incredible playmaker in world football right now,” said ex-coach Roberto Martinez in 2022.

Final Thoughts: Regret on the Horizon?

De Bruyne may have been deemed surplus to requirements at City, but his form at Napoli suggests the club may have jumped the gun.

While City are rebuilding, De Bruyne is reviving — and if this season ends with silverware or another deep Champions League run for Napoli, the decision to let him leave may come under greater scrutiny.