Kevin De Bruyne’s football career is a striking example of a player who flourished after being undervalued by a top-tier club.
Once a Chelsea player, the Belgian midfielder’s time at Stamford Bridge was brief and underwhelming.
During the 2012–2013 season, De Bruyne featured in just nine matches for the Blues and was never truly given the platform to display his immense talent.
In search of consistent first-team football, De Bruyne was sent out on loan to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2012.
It was there that he began to show his true potential, tallying an impressive 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games.
Despite his standout performances in Germany, Chelsea allowed him to depart permanently in 2014, selling him to Wolfsburg for a reported fee of £18 million.
This move proved to be a turning point in his career. At Wolfsburg, De Bruyne developed rapidly, becoming one of the Bundesliga’s brightest stars.
His contributions were pivotal in helping the club win both the German Cup and the Super Cup.
His remarkable displays earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Year award in 2015.
Unsurprisingly, this caught the attention of Manchester City, who made him their record signing that same year by paying £54.5 million for his services.
Since arriving at Manchester City, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Under Pep Guardiola’s management, he has played a central role in the club’s domestic and European dominance.
His silverware collection at City is extensive—six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and one UEFA Champions League title.
His consistent excellence has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
Former Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole recently remarked that Chelsea could still benefit from having De Bruyne in their squad, despite the injury issues he has faced in recent years.
Cole emphasized the value of De Bruyne’s experience, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities, suggesting that even if he’s only available for about 30 games per season, his presence could still make a significant difference on and off the pitch.
De Bruyne’s career stats further underscore his impact on the game—106 goals and 176 assists in 414 appearances across all competitions.
These numbers reflect his consistent influence and ability to change the outcome of matches.
For Chelsea, letting him go remains one of their most regrettable transfer decisions, especially considering the world-class player he has become.
