On this day, Kevin De Bruyne signed for Manchester City—a transfer that has since gone down as one of the greatest in Premier League history. From the moment he arrived at the Etihad in 2015, the Belgian playmaker transformed Pep Guardiola’s side into one of the most dominant teams in world football. His vision, passing range, and clutch performances have cemented his legacy as one of City’s greatest ever players.
Here’s a look back at ten of KDB’s most unforgettable performances in a City shirt:
1. Manchester City 3–1 Barcelona (2016, Champions League)
Facing his boyhood idol Lionel Messi, De Bruyne was at his absolute best. After Messi put Barcelona ahead, City roared back, and KDB sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick. This was the night he proved he belonged among Europe’s elite.
2. Manchester City 1–0 Chelsea (2017, Premier League)
Against his former club, De Bruyne produced a masterclass at Stamford Bridge. His thunderous left-foot strike past Thibaut Courtois was the only goal of the game and a symbolic moment—showing Chelsea what they had lost.
3. Manchester City 7–2 Stoke City (2017, Premier League)
In a game where City ripped Stoke apart, De Bruyne was the architect. His passing carved open the defense time and again, leaving even Guardiola in awe. Many fans still call this one of the greatest midfield performances the Premier League has ever seen.
4. Arsenal 0–3 Manchester City (2018, Carabao Cup Final)
On the big stage at Wembley, KDB dictated everything. While Sergio Agüero and David Silva grabbed goals, De Bruyne’s control of midfield made Arsenal look helpless. It was one of his finest final displays.
5. Manchester City 4–3 Tottenham (2019, Champions League)
Though City went out on away goals in this dramatic quarterfinal, De Bruyne was breathtaking. He provided three assists, driving the team forward with relentless energy. It was a heartbreaking exit, but KDB’s brilliance shone through.
6. Manchester City 8–0 Watford (2019, Premier League)
De Bruyne produced two assists and scored a stunning late strike in one of City’s biggest-ever wins. Every attack seemed to go through him, and Watford simply had no answers to his creativity.
7. Real Madrid 1–2 Manchester City (2020, Champions League)
In the cauldron of the Bernabéu, De Bruyne delivered one of his greatest European performances. He assisted Gabriel Jesus for the equalizer and then coolly slotted home a penalty for the winner. This was the night City announced themselves as genuine UCL contenders.
8. Wolves 1–5 Manchester City (2022, Premier League)
A match that became known as “the Kevin De Bruyne show.” He scored four goals, including a perfect hat-trick inside 24 minutes. It was one of the most complete midfield performances in league history.
9. Manchester City 4–0 Real Madrid (2023, Champions League Semi-Final)
In the second leg at the Etihad, City destroyed Real Madrid. De Bruyne was sensational, pulling the strings in midfield and setting the tempo as Bernardo Silva and Julián Álvarez scored. It was the perfect display of leadership and creativity.
10. Manchester City 1–0 Inter Milan (2023, Champions League Final)
Although his night was cut short by injury, KDB’s influence in the buildup to City’s first-ever Champions League triumph cannot be overstated. He had led the team through the tournament with big goals and assists, and lifting the trophy cemented his place as a City legend.
Legacy of a Maestro
Kevin De Bruyne has redefined what it means to be a modern midfielder. From breathtaking goals to inch-perfect assists, he has been Manchester City’s heartbeat for nearly a decade. His consistency in the biggest games and ability to deliver when it matters most has made him not just a City icon, but a Premier League legend.
⚽ Which of KDB’s performances do you think was the most unforgettable?
