Attacking MidfieldBelgium35 years oldPlays for SSC Napoli
Photo: Bryan Berlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; resized and cropped.
Kevin De Bruyne (born 28 June 1991) operates as an attacking midfielder for SSC Napoli. The Belgian is set to return from the 2026 World Cup next week but faces an icy reception after criticising former coach Antonio Conte. Napoli finished second in Serie A last season behind Inter.
The right-footed midfielder can play everywhere according to Allegri, though De Bruyne stated Conte never deployed him in his preferred position. He thrives in attacking systems, with Garcia confident Belgium's offensive style suits him. De Bruyne learned to play in a low block during his Serie A stint after a decade in the Premier League.
The 181 cm player moved through KAA Gent and KRC Genk youth (2005-2008) before senior spells at Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg and Manchester City (2015, €76m). He joined Napoli on a free in 2025, scoring four goals in his first eight Serie A appearances before a hamstring injury against Inter in October 2025. That kept him out for five months, limiting him to 21 appearances, five goals and four assists across all competitions.
Contract runs until June 2027. Allegri confirmed De Bruyne can play everywhere ahead of the Genoa debut.
MLS clubs San Diego FC and Chicago Fire are targeting Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian is considered for a move during the current window.