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[Awards Review]
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▶ KDB’s Napoli quest
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[2025/07/27 ]
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Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli move has sparked fanfare in Naples, while he was handed Diego Maradona’s retired jersey to train in. FIFA looks at KDB’s new challenge.
Having surged into a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead against Wales in a FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifier in June, Belgium found themselves pegged back by the plucky visitors in dramatic circumstances. With 87 minutes on the clock and the teams level, a stroke of genius was very much needed.
 Belgium knew how damaging dropped points could potentially be to their bid to qualify for the global showpiece. Youri Tielemans sent in a deep, lofted cross to the back post, which Kevin De Bruyne expertly volleyed home to clinch all three points for Les Diables Rouges.
It would prove to be a fitting final contribution before the playmaker’s switch to Napoli. After 10 years at Manchester City, De Bruyne became one of the highest-profile signings in the Italian club’s history, and in Serie A over the last two decades. The 34-year-old is the type of player who shifts the balance within a team. Having done so effortlessly with the Cityzens, he is keen to make a similar impact in Naples.
The Belgian’s aura has already started to reverberate in and around the city. On the day of his Napoli medical, De Bruyne’s flight from Belgium to Italy was one of the most tracked online, as fans of the Partenopei eagerly awaited the arrival of their new superstar. Since then, KDB has got the entire city buzzing, just as a certain Diego Maradona did in 1984.
It goes without saying that De Bruyne’s name has been printed on more Napoli shirts than anyone else’s so far in pre-season. From Antonio Conte’s side’s training camp in Dimaro to the streets of Naples, the Flemish star is very much the talk of the town.
“I’ve been in the Premier League so long,” he said at his official Napoli unveiling. “I’m a Man City player for life, but it was time for me to find a new challenge.
“The fact that I could play in Italy and still play at a high, high level was exciting for me. I had the project that the club showed me. They already are champions, but they are still improving the squad. I think I can still give something.”
“I think, competitively, it’s a very nice place to be. They were champions last year. They showed that they have a lot of quality . Obviously, it’s something very different from what I had in England, but that’s also really exciting. I felt that I still had some motivation left and some quality in myself that I can do something at this level.”
This clear statement of intent signals that De Bruyne remains as ambitious as ever and has no desire to take his foot off the pedal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Speaking of Maradona, just how ecstatic Napoli are to have landed De Bruyne is illustrated by the fact that the Belgian was handed the club legend’s iconic – and long-retired – No10 jersey to wear in training with his new team-mates, although he will sport the No11 in competitive matches.
“I was a bit surprised at the beginning, because obviously I know the number was retired for Maradona, but in another way it’s an honour for the club to give me this responsibility,” noted the former Genk, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg and Manchester City man. “Maradona is Maradona. He’s one of the legends of the game. I’m grateful and proud, but I’m my own player and I’m going to do the job the best I can.”
Lukaku link-up
De Bruyne has been reunited with long-time international team-mate Romelu Lukaku, whom he also lined up alongside for Chelsea in 2013-14, at Napoli. Both players are leaders in Rudi Garcia’s squad and will get the chance to further strengthen their connection on and off the pitch.
“I told Kevin to be himself and show what he’s all about, just as he’s done at City and with Belgium,” revealed Lukaku, who wore the No11 shirt last season but has passed it on to his fellow countryman, with the striker set to don the No9 going forward. “I’ve known him since we were 13. Everyone knows what sort of relationship we have. I’m delighted to have him here. He decided to move here, and we simply can’t help but feel thrilled.”
The last-gasp 4-3 victory over Wales, who sit second in Group J of the UEFA preliminaries, was key to Belgium’s quest to book their ticket to the World Cup 26. Having shared the spoils with group leaders North Macedonia in their opening qualifier, being held to a second straight stalemate would have been a body blow. De Bruyne’s winner has instead given the team a solid platform to build on, leaving them third with two games in hand on the early pacesetters.
Next up for the Belgians in September is a golden opportunity to climb the standings away to bottom side Liechtenstein and at home to Kazakhstan. With his sights firmly set on success with both his club and his country, De Bruyne will look to hit the ground running at Napoli before making his presence felt for Belgium.
- The origianl text resource is from FIFA Official Website |
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amazing |
2025-08-02
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