In a dramatic and emotional afternoon at Wembley on May 18,2025 , Kevin De Bruyne played his final game for Manchester City, marking the end of a glittering decade-long spell with the club.
The day, however, ended in heartbreak as Crystal Palace pulled off one of the biggest FA Cup Final upsets in recent memory with a 1-0 win over the Premier League champions.
Crystal Palace, the underdogs on paper but fearless in spirit, seized the moment early in the match. Eberechi Eze’s sensational solo goal in the 16th minute stunned City and sent the Palace faithful into ecstasy.
Despite heavy pressure from Pep Guardiola’s men, including late surges orchestrated by De Bruyne himself, the South London club held firm to lift their first-ever FA Cup title.
For De Bruyne, the match was less about silverware and more about legacy.
As the final whistle blew, the 33-year-old Belgian was visibly emotional, embraced by teammates and applauded by fans who chanted his name one last time.
After ten iconic seasons, over 350 appearances, six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and a historic Champions League win in 2023, De Bruyne’s departure signals the close of one of City’s most successful erase
In a heartfelt social media post after the game, De Bruyne wrote: “This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back. And guess what, we won EVERYTHING.”
The post was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, former players, and pundits alike, all celebrating the legacy of one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders.
Speculation is already swirling about De Bruyne’s next destination, with interest reportedly coming from clubs in Saudi Arabia, MLS, and a possible return to Belgium.
But for now, the man himself is staying tight-lipped, choosing to soak in the final moments of a Manchester chapter that defined his career.
Bruyne’s vision, leadership, and unmatched passing ability transformed City into a global powerhouse.
His name will forever be etched in the annals of Premier League greatness.
As the blue half of Manchester begins to imagine life without their midfield magician, one thing is clear: football may find new stars, but there will never be another Bruyne.
