Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian professional soccer player with an impressive net worth of $70 million. Known for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder or winger, De Bruyne plays for Manchester City and has also been a key player for the Belgium national team. His annual salary is a staggering $20 million, reflecting his significant contributions to the sport and his high market value.
Where Was Kevin De Bruyne Born and Raised?
Kevin De Bruyne was born on June 28, 1991, in Drongen, Belgium, a small town near Ghent. Growing up in a multilingual household, De Bruyne learned to speak Dutch, French, English, and German. His mother, having spent her childhood in London, often took him to visit his grandparents there, giving him a unique blend of Belgian and British cultural experiences. From a young age, De Bruyne showed a remarkable talent for soccer, which set the stage for his future career.
How Did Kevin De Bruyne Start His Career?
De Bruyne’s professional journey began at Genk, a prominent Belgian soccer club. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly became a regular player. During the 2010-2011 season, he played a crucial role in helping Genk win the Belgian Pro League. In 2012, De Bruyne moved to the English club Chelsea, but his time there was marked by limited opportunities, leading to a loan to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
In 2014, De Bruyne signed with Wolfsburg, a move that proved pivotal in his career. He thrived in the German league, establishing himself as one of the top players in the Bundesliga. His performance caught the attention of Manchester City, and in the summer of 2015, he joined the English club for a record transfer fee of 54 million Great British Pounds.
What Are Kevin De Bruyne’s Achievements with Manchester City?
Since joining Manchester City, De Bruyne has been instrumental in the club’s success. He has won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups. One of his most notable achievements came during the 2017-2018 season when he played a key role in helping Manchester City become the first Premier League team to score 100 points in a single season.
In the 2019-2020 season, De Bruyne was awarded the Player of the Season after tying the record for the most assists in a Premier League season. He repeated this feat in the 2021-2022 season, once again earning the Player of the Season award. His exceptional play was crucial in Manchester City’s historic achievement of winning the continental treble in the 2022-2023 season, a feat accomplished by only 22 men’s clubs globally.
How Has Kevin De Bruyne Performed Internationally?
De Bruyne’s international career with the Belgian national team has been equally impressive. He made his full international debut in 2010 and has since earned over 90 caps, scoring 26 goals. De Bruyne was part of the Belgian squad that reached the quarter-finals in both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Belgium finished third, and De Bruyne was named to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
In March 2023, De Bruyne was appointed as the captain of the Belgian national team, succeeding Eden Hazard. He led the team to victory against Germany in a friendly match shortly after his appointment, marking Belgium’s first win against Germany since 1954.
What Accolades Has Kevin De Bruyne Received?
Throughout his career, De Bruyne has received numerous accolades. He has been named to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season, the IFFHS Men’s World Team, and the ESM Team of the Year five times each. He has also won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season three times and Manchester City’s Player of the Year award four times.
De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world. “The Guardian” ranked him as the fourth-best soccer player in 2017. His manager at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has described him as the best midfielder in the world. Jamie Redknapp, a former professional soccer player, and sports commentator, has praised De Bruyne as the best Premier League midfielder he has ever seen.
What is Kevin De Bruyne’s Playing Style?
De Bruyne’s playing style is characterized by his quickness, elegance, and tactical intelligence. He is known for his creativity on the field and his ability to play in various positions, making him a versatile and complete soccer player. His range of skills allows him to adapt to different roles and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
Who is Kevin De Bruyne’s Family?
Kevin De Bruyne married Michele Lacroix in June 2017, and the couple has three children together. De Bruyne has shared aspects of his personal life in his autobiography, “Keep It Simple,” published in October 2014. The book details an incident involving his then-girlfriend and teammate Thibaut Courtois, providing insight into his personal challenges and professional resilience. Despite the personal turmoil, De Bruyne and Courtois continued to work together professionally, demonstrating De Bruyne’s maturity and focus on his career.
4o