On May 22, 2022, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a masterclass in seizing the moment, providing the assist that secured another title for Manchester City just as Pep Guardiola’s side seemed on the verge of collapse. With 69 minutes played, Aston Villa were leading 2-0, and the title looked set for Anfield, where Liverpool—drawing 1-1 with Wolves—needed just one goal to clinch a dramatic final-day victory. But City struck twice in quick succession in the 76th and 78th minutes, and then De Bruyne took over. He surged down the right and delivered a perfect cross to İlkay Gündoğan, who slotted home in the 81st minute, sending the Etihad into a frenzy.
A reminder of what Guardiola let go
On April 4, 2025, De Bruyne announced he would leave City after a decade at the end of the season. Eight days later, under sunny skies at the Etihad, the captain led a 5-2 demolition of Crystal Palace, scoring and providing a trademark assist. Early in the second half, De Bruyne’s quick turn froze three Palace defenders, giving him the space to pick out Mateo Kovačić, who made it 3-2. It later emerged that De Bruyne was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new deal, making this performance all the more satisfying.
In cruise control on his full debut
On September 15, 2015, a fresh-faced De Bruyne made his first start for City after David Silva suffered a calf injury in the warm-up. Deployed in attack by Manuel Pellegrini, he delivered a debut that hinted at a decade of dominance to come. Though City lost 2-1 to West Ham, even a £52 million fee seemed a bargain as De Bruyne dictated play with a burst of pace Silva lacked. He would go on to become only the third player to win back-to-back PFA Player of the Year awards (2020 and 2021).
Cometh the hour, cometh Kevin
De Bruyne shone in a 4-1 thrashing of Arsenal on April 26, 2023, scoring twice and setting up John Stones with a clever free-kick. His first goal saw him glide forward, cut to the right, and beat Aaron Ramsdale at the near post. For the second, he took Erling Haaland’s pass and fired a quick shot that again wrong-footed Ramsdale. Arsenal had arrived with a five-point lead and two games in hand, but De Bruyne’s display was pivotal in City’s eventual Premier League title win and historic treble.
The last dance
On May 20, 2025, De Bruyne took his final bow as a City player in front of the home fans. After a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, he reflected: “I wanted to play with creativity and passion. I wanted to enjoy football, and I hope everyone enjoyed it. Everyone at the club pushed me to be my best, and these players made me better. It’s an honor to have played with them—I’ve made friends for life.” Despite the win, he missed an open goal, hitting the bar. “It’s terrible,” he said. “No excuses. My son is going to give me a hard time today.”
The pain and the semi-final glory
Just four months after his debut, De Bruyne suffered a devastating knee and ankle ligament injury against Everton on January 27, 2016. By then, he was already indispensable to Pellegrini’s side, and the manager later admitted that losing him derailed City’s season. Before the injury, however, De Bruyne had turned the Carabao Cup semi-final with a late cameo: he scored and then set up Sergio Agüero’s winner. But after being stretchered off, City struggled in the six weeks that followed.The team suffered four losses, including three consecutive defeats, two of which were in the league. Pellegrini commented: “His injury came at a crucial moment. He was in excellent form and making a significant impact.”
What a Strike
On September 26, 2017, in a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Kevin De Bruyne intercepted a loose pass from Marlos. Silva advanced with the ball before returning it to De Bruyne. From about 20 yards out, centrally positioned, De Bruyne unleashed a curling shot that flew into the top right corner of Andriy Pyatov’s goal. His goal proved vital in a tight group-stage match, and a late strike from Raheem Sterling secured a 2-0 victory.
Two-Goal Show Against Leeds
After five weeks out due to injury, De Bruyne returned on December 14, 2021, scoring twice in a 7-0 thrashing of Leeds. His first goal came from a superb Rodri pass that sent him through on the left; a swift left-footed finish beat goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The second was even better—a powerful 20-yard drive that flew past Meslier. The goal came shortly after Pep Guardiola showed clear frustration with De Bruyne for avoiding a challenge, which had allowed Stuart Dallas an opportunity.
De Bruyne smashed home his second and City’s fifth goal against Leeds to complete the dominant 2021 victory.
Two Assists and a Tiff
In 422 appearances for Manchester City, with 108 goals and 170 assists, De Bruyne was never sent off, though he did have occasional fiery moments. One such instance occurred on May 17, 2023, in a 4-0 win over Real Madrid that sent City to the Champions League final en route to a historic treble. De Bruyne first set up Bernardo Silva for the opening goal. Later, after failing to spot Jack Grealish in space, he lost possession to Éder Militão, drawing Guardiola’s anger. Rather than accepting the criticism, De Bruyne fired back at his manager. After play resumed, he went on to provide the assist for Manuel Akanji’s goal, City’s third.
“Let Me Talk!”
De Bruyne has described himself as “two Kevins”—the off-field and on-field versions. On October 17, 2017, during a 2-1 victory over Napoli, he was booked by referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz. Furious, De Bruyne had to be restrained by Fernandinho and David Silva as he tried to confront the official. He shouted at his teammates, “Let me talk!” Reflecting on the incident later with Bleacher Report, he said: “I got a yellow card and wanted to ask the referee, ‘Why the hell did you give me a yellow card?’ When I’m playing, it’s like there are two different versions of me. On the pitch, sometimes I can be a little bastard.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Kevin De Bruynes unforgettable moments at the Etihad written in a clear and natural tone
General Beginner Questions
Q What is a screamer in football
A Its a slang term for an incredibly powerful and accurate shot from long range that rockets into the net often leaving the goalkeeper with no chance
Q What does top bins or top corner mean
A It refers to a shot that is placed perfectly into the upper corner of the goal which is the hardest area for a goalkeeper to reach Its a sign of incredible precision
Q I keep hearing let me talk Whats that from
A Its from a famous passionate postmatch interview Kevin De Bruyne gave after a thrilling comeback win against Real Madrid in 2022 A reporter tried to interrupt him and he firmly said Let me talk before praising the Etihad crowds incredible energy that night
Q Why is Kevin De Bruyne so special at the Etihad
A The Etihad is his home stadium He feels a strong connection with the fans there and he has produced some of his most magical and important moments on that pitch making it a special place for him and the supporters
Advanced Specific Questions
Q What is De Bruynes most famous screamer at the Etihad
A His thunderous volley against Newcastle United in the 201920 season is a top contender He hit the ball perfectly on the bounce from outside the box and it flew into the net
Q Besides the Real Madrid interview what other iconic Etihad moments involve his passion
A His goal and incredible assist for Raheem Sterling in the final minutes to beat Southampton 32 in the 201718 season His celebration was pure raw emotion showing how much he loves a dramatic win at home
Q How does the let me talk moment represent his relationship with the fans
A It showed he is not just a player hes a leader and a fan himself in that moment He wanted to make sure the world knew how vital the home crowd was to the teams spirit and success defending and praising them passionately
