Kevin De Bruyne, a celebrated Belgian professional soccer player, boasts a net worth of $70 million. Best known as an attacking midfielder or winger for Manchester City, De Bruyne has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest players of his generation. His earnings are derived from his soccer career, endorsements, and various other ventures.
How Did Kevin De Bruyne’s Early Life Shape His Career?
Kevin De Bruyne was born on June 28, 1991, in Drongen, Belgium, a small city near Ghent. He grew up in a multilingual household, speaking Dutch, French, English, and German. His mother, having grown up in London, often took De Bruyne to visit his grandparents there, exposing him to different cultures and languages. From a young age, De Bruyne showed exceptional talent in soccer, setting the stage for his future career.
How Did Kevin De Bruyne Begin His Professional Soccer Career?
De Bruyne began his professional career at Genk, a Belgian soccer club, where he was a key player during the team’s 2010-2011 Belgian Pro League victory. In 2012, he made a significant move to the English club Chelsea. However, his time at Chelsea was brief, leading to a loan to Werder Bremen. His performance caught the attention of VfL Wolfsburg, a German Bundesliga club, which signed him in 2014. At Wolfsburg, De Bruyne established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top players.
What Impact Has Kevin De Bruyne Had at Manchester City?
In the summer of 2015, Kevin De Bruyne joined Manchester City for a club record £54 million. Since then, he has been instrumental in the club’s success. De Bruyne has helped Manchester City win numerous titles, including five Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups. His influence was pivotal during the 2017-2018 season, where Manchester City became the first Premier League team to score 100 points in a single season. De Bruyne’s exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Season award for both the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 seasons. He was also a key player in Manchester City’s first continental treble during the 2022-2023 season.
How Has Kevin De Bruyne Performed Internationally?
Kevin De Bruyne made his international debut for the Belgian national team in 2010. Since then, he has earned over 90 caps and scored 26 goals. De Bruyne was a vital part of the team that reached the quarter-finals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Belgium finished in third place, and De Bruyne was named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Team. He has also represented Belgium in the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In March 2023, De Bruyne was appointed Belgium’s new captain following Eden Hazard’s retirement from international soccer.
What Are Kevin De Bruyne’s Major Achievements?
Throughout his career, Kevin De Bruyne has received numerous accolades. He has been named in 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. His versatile playing style, tactical intelligence, and creativity have earned him recognition as one of the best soccer players globally.
How Is Kevin De Bruyne Viewed in the Soccer World?
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as a “complete” soccer player due to his wide range of skills. In 2017, “The Guardian” ranked him the fourth-best soccer player in the world. His manager at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, described him as the best midfielder in the world in 2020. Jamie Redknapp, a former professional soccer player and sports commentator, praised De Bruyne as the best Premier League midfielder he has seen. De Bruyne’s playing style is characterized by his quickness, elegance, and high level of tactical intelligence, allowing him to excel in various positions on the field.
What is Kevin De Bruyne’s Personal Life Like?
Kevin De Bruyne began dating Michele Lacroix in 2014, and the couple married in June 2017. They have three children together. De Bruyne’s autobiography, “Keep It Simple,” published in October 2014, provides insights into his upbringing and personal life. The book details an incident involving his former girlfriend and teammate Thibaut Courtois, demonstrating De Bruyne’s ability to maintain professionalism despite personal challenges.
Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s journey from a young soccer enthusiast in Drongen, Belgium, to a global soccer superstar is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. With a net worth of $70 million, numerous accolades, and a reputation as one of the world’s best players, De Bruyne continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of soccer. His contributions to Manchester City and the Belgian national team highlight his exceptional abilities and enduring legacy in the sport.
