Kevin De Bruyne’s transfer to Napoli was one of the major events of the last summer transfer window. At 34, the Belgian attacking midfielder left Manchester City, where he had reigned supreme for a decade, to pursue one last challenge in Serie A. And his debut couldn’t have been more successful: a goal against Sassuolo (2-0) and a simple but powerful reaction on social media: “Great start!”.
From the first official match for his new club, De Bruyne proved that he remains a world-class player. By finding the net, he became: the oldest Napoli goal scorer on his Serie A debut in the 21st century; an instant leader in a squad undergoing reconstruction; a strong signal sent to Napoli’s rivals.
2015–2025 at City: De Bruyne played nearly 600 matches, scored over 90 goals, and provided nearly 150 assists. His achievements: 5 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 5 League Cups. This summer, he left Manchester City on a free transfer after ten years of dominance. Napoli’s choice: a sporting challenge in a demanding league, but also an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The Neapolitan coach is counting on De Bruyne to transform the attacking style: Playing as a number 10 or sometimes as an advanced midfielder, he will be the conductor.
His vision of the game must allow him to exploit the pace of the Neapolitan wingers and the presence of a center-forward capable of converting his pinpoint passes. In a league renowned for its solid defenses, his ability to find invisible spaces is an essential weapon. Compared to his role at Manchester City, De Bruyne will likely be: less involved in constant pressing; more focused on creating and finishing, with more freedom. De Bruyne’s arrival in Napoli is not just a sporting move.
For Serie A: a player of this caliber enhances the league’s prestige. For Napoli: after losing some key players in recent seasons, the arrival of a European legend gives fans renewed hope. For young players: a model of professionalism and high standards on a daily basis. Despite his goal and record, the Belgian has chosen to remain humble: “Great start!” A short sentence that reflects his character: discreet, but focused on the essentials—playing and winning. With the experience and quality of the Belgian midfielder.
Napoli can hope for: Champions League qualification, their priority objective; A spoilsport role in the Scudetto race, even though the competition remains fierce (Inter, Milan, Juventus); A solid European run, thanks to a player accustomed to major competitions. With a simple “Great start!”, the Belgian international preferred to let his game do the talking. A restraint that reflects his character: few spins, plenty of efficiency. Sporting: Napoli gains a player capable of unlocking any Italian defense. Symbolic: Serie A still attracts world legends, despite competition from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League. Collective: De Bruyne’s experience should serve as a guide for young Neapolitan talents.
With such a reinforcement, the Partenopei club can aim high: A return to the Scudetto race; A solid qualification for the Champions League; A role as a European contender, thanks to the experience of a player accustomed to the highest levels.
At 34, Kevin De Bruyne proved in his first match for Napoli that he remains an undeniable star. His goal against Sassuolo is more than just an anecdote: it’s the symbol of a player who, after making history at Manchester City, is ready to write a new chapter in Serie A. For the Neapolitan fans, this “Great Start!” is also a promise: with De Bruyne, their club can dream of new exploits.
