Kevin De Bruyne Snubs Club World Cup Amid Manchester City Exit Plans

“It Doesn’t Make Sense” – Belgian Star Explains Decision as He Nears Etihad Departure

Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City is already written in sky blue and silver, but as the curtain slowly falls on his glittering career at the Etihad, the Belgian maestro is making one thing clear—he won’t be hanging around just to tick another tournament off the list.

De Bruyne has confirmed he’s unlikely to take part in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup next summer, citing concerns over his fitness and future. With his contract expiring on June 30, and no new agreement in place, the 33-year-old has little interest in risking injury with a free-agent move looming. For a man who has given a decade to the Premier League giants, it’s a decision rooted in pragmatism more than sentiment.

Final Farewell: “It’s Going to Be Weird”

The upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham on May 25 is expected to be De Bruyne’s final appearance in a Manchester City shirt. While the club remains coy on the official narrative, De Bruyne’s comments leave little room for doubt.

“It’s going to be weird. I’m going to try and enjoy it,” he told reporters earlier this week, suggesting that the emotional goodbye is already setting in.

For a player who has been the heartbeat of City’s midfield during their most dominant era, the gravity of that statement hits hard. Four Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and a Champions League triumph have marked his spell in Manchester. Yet De Bruyne is preparing to walk away from the club—and from the new Club World Cup—on his own terms.

The Club World Cup Dilemma

While De Bruyne has confirmed his departure

Set to debut in its expanded format in the United States in 2025, the Club World Cup is FIFA’s latest attempt to globalise club football even further. But for veterans like De Bruyne, it comes at a questionable time.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” De Bruyne said bluntly, when asked about the possibility of taking part in the tournament. “That happens when you push in new tournaments into the middle of this contract situation.”

With the European football calendar already bursting at the seams, an additional summer competition leaves players like De Bruyne with little rest—and potentially no cover if things go wrong.

“In a way, I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do? Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point,” he explained.

That stark reality underscores the growing tension between player welfare and commercial ambition in modern football. De Bruyne isn’t turning his back on City or the sport—he’s simply recognising the risks.

What Comes Next for De Bruyne?

De Bruyne influence on and off the pitch remains immense

While De Bruyne has confirmed his departure, his next destination remains a mystery. Several MLS clubs have shown interest, and the idea of the Belgian playmaker lighting up Major League Soccer certainly appeals to fans on the other side of the Atlantic.

But there’s also the chance he stays closer to home. The midfielder has publicly acknowledged that he’s open to continuing in England—perhaps even with another Premier League side—largely because his family is settled in the UK.

“My family is happy in England. We have our life here. So we’ll see,” he hinted, leaving the door ajar for a shock move within the league.

Whether it’s Los Angeles or London, it’s clear that De Bruyne is prioritising longevity and quality of life in the final chapter of his career.

The End of an Era at Manchester City

It’s not just De Bruyne who finds himself at a crossroads. For Manchester City, the Belgian’s exit marks the end of a golden chapter. He has been more than just a player—he’s been the creative compass for Pep Guardiola’s era of dominance.

And while Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and others have stepped into the spotlight in recent seasons, De Bruyne’s influence on and off the pitch remains immense. His eye for a pass, his calm under pressure, his leadership—those aren’t easily replaced.

Guardiola has consistently praised De Bruyne’s intelligence and professionalism, calling him “one of the best players I’ve ever coached.” The mutual respect is undeniable, but even Guardiola must now plan for a future without his midfield maestro.

City’s Final Push and Future Challenges

Following a shock defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley, City’s season hasn’t quite hit the heights of years past. Yet there’s still work to be done. With a Champions League place to lock down, the final games against Bournemouth and Fulham carry real significance.

City currently sit inside the top five, but with the Premier League table tighter than ever, every point matters. De Bruyne, should he feature in these closing fixtures, will be key to City’s finishing flourish.

But once the campaign wraps, attention will turn swiftly to recruitment. The challenge now isn’t just replacing De Bruyne’s output—but also his presence.

Legacy Sealed, Future Unwritten

Kevin De Bruyne leaves Manchester City not with a whisper, but with his legacy intact. He’s not bowing out in the middle of a season or holding the club to ransom. Instead, he’s making a clear-eyed decision about what’s best for him and his future.

In today’s climate, where fixtures are endless and player burnout is real, his decision to skip the Club World Cup is a rare moment of player agency—an act of self-preservation, not selfishness.

And for City fans, it’s a moment to celebrate rather than mourn. Kevin De Bruyne gave the club the prime of his career—and in return, City gave him the platform to become one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.

Wherever he lands next, one thing is for certain: he leaves the Etihad not just as a legend, but as a man who always played the game on his terms.