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Roy of the Rovers Season-Ending Performance

On 22 May 2022, the Belgian playmaker demonstrated his brilliance with a title-clinching pass that delivered another championship for Pep Guardiola’s side. Trailing 2-0 to their opponents with just over 20 minutes remaining, first place seemed likely for their rivals. Yet, following two swift goals from City, the maestro seized control. A piercing run down the side led to a accurate cross to his teammate, whose precise finish on 81 minutes made the City supporters into raptures.

A Memorable Send-Off

On 4 April 2025, the Belgian international announced he would conclude his ten-year tenure at the Etihad at the close of the season. Then, in a glorious game against their opponents, the captain turned in a stellar performance, scoring one and creating another in a dominant 5-2 victory. Early in the second period, De Bruyne’s pivot seemed to freeze multiple Palace men, giving him room to pick out the Croatian, who put City 3-2. Reports later emerged that De Bruyne was taken aback not to be presented with a new deal, making this performance all the more gratifying.

First Start in Total Dominance

On 15 September 2015, a shiny-cheeked the Belgian made his first start for City, deployed in an advanced role by the manager after an problem to David Silva in the warm-up. What followed was a initial display that foreshadowed a lengthy period of dominance from a player who would go on to win two straight PFA Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Although City fell 2-1 to their opponents, the midfielder seemed a bargain, controlling the game while demonstrating a explosive speed that some of his teammates did not possess.

In the Biggest Games, De Bruyne Delivers

The playmaker was decisive in a commanding 4-1 triumph over Arsenal on 26 April 2023. He netted twice and provided another from a free-kick that reached his teammate for a finish. His first came after just seven minutes, with De Bruyne moving forward, changing direction, and outsmarting Aaron Ramsdale at his near post. For his second, he controlled a assist from his attacking partner and fired an instant shot that once more beat Ramsdale. Arsenal’s side had arrived with a five-point advantage at the summit of the table, but his performance was crucial in swinging the championship battle in City’s favor, ultimately helping them win the domestic title as part of an historic triple crown triumph.

Emotional Goodbye

In his last home game, the legendary midfielder emerged for his last bow as a City player in front of the Etihad crowd. Following the match, he said: “My aim was to play with flair, I aimed to play with passion. My desire was to enjoy football and I believe everyone appreciated it. Each person has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the top form of myself and my teammates in front of me have made me more complete than I was before. It is an privilege to play with such talent. I’ve made so many friends for life.” Despite the opponents were defeated 3-1, the star struck an sitter, hitting the woodwork. “Awful,” De Bruyne stated. “There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”

Cruel Blow and Semi-Final Magic

After De Bruyne sustained a significant ligament injury against the Toffees on during the 2015/16 season, a mere four months had gone by since his first appearance, but he was already indispensable to the team’s setup that the boss later revealed his absence caused the downfall of City’s season. Prior to, the Belgian’s substitute appearance had swung the Carabao Cup semi-final: he got a goal, then provided his teammate’s clincher. But, soon after came the serious injury. In the six weeks after he was substituted injured, City suffered four defeats, including three in a sequence, two of which were in the Premier League. Pellegrini commented: “When he was injured, undoubtedly it became critical. He was in a excellent moment, producing decisive things.”

Sensational Goal

On 26 September 2017, versus Shakhtar Donetsk, the Belgian read a loose pass from an opponent, his teammate advanced with the ball before laying it back to his partner. What followed came the brilliance: from around 20 yards out and centrally, the number 17 unleashed a curling shot that flew into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net. In a close European encounter, De Bruyne’s contribution was vital. A second goal from the winger sealed a 2-0 win.

Double Performance Against Leeds

After five weeks sidelined, De Bruyne was back and netted twice in a 7-0 win over United on during the festive period. The first came from a superb pass from Rodri that found De Bruyne down the left channel – a clean of his weaker foot and the ball sped past the goalkeeper. The second was more spectacular: a long-range screamer that also flew past the shot-stopper and came soon after the coach had shown visible frustration at the playmaker for shying out of a challenge, which allowed Stuart Dallas an opportunity.

Creative Masterclass and a Tiff

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