Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who recently returned from a hamstring surgery, is determined to reclaim his spot among the world’s best footballers. De Bruyne’s impactful performance against Newcastle United, where he scored and set up Oscar Bobb in injury time, showcased his exceptional form since his comeback.
Speaking at the FIFA The Best Awards, De Bruyne’s Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker compared him to football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, placing the Belgian midfielder in the same elite bracket. Walker highlighted the boost De Bruyne brings to the team, especially when on the ball, playing passes that seem invisible to others.
De Bruyne’s outstanding contributions earned him a spot in the FIFPro Team of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. His pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign of 2022-23 included 31 assists across competitions, crucial goals in high-stakes matches, and stellar performances in the Champions League and FA Cup. The Belgian midfielder’s resurgence has significantly bolstered City’s bid to defend their Premier League and Champions League titles.
Manchester City dominated the FIFA World Team of the Year, with six players, including defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Kyle Walker. This accomplishment is remarkable, as no club has had six representatives in the FIFPro XI since Barcelona in 2010.
With City currently on a mini winter break, De Bruyne’s return to top form is timely as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including a crucial FA Cup fourth-round tie against Tottenham on January 26. The midfielder’s ambition to be among the world’s best, coupled with his stellar performances, adds a potent element to City’s pursuit of continued success.
Since joining the club in 2015, De Bruyne has won 5 Premier Leagues, 2 FA Cups, 5 Carabao League Cups and one UEFA Champions League. In terms of individual accolades, the Belgian has been adjudged the club’s player of the season four times, solidifying his status as an all-time legend of the club.
Apart from that, he also contributed to Belgium’s dream run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where the country ended up as the second runner-up.
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