Kevin De Bruyne: Kevin De Bruyne, often hailed as one of the best midfielders in world football, has been a central figure at Manchester City since his arrival in 2015. His remarkable vision, precise passing, and technical ability have made him a standout player not only in the Premier League but across Europe. One defining feature of De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City has been the jersey number he wears, which has become synonymous with his identity on the pitch. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of Kevin De Bruyne’s jersey number, his career at Manchester City, and how his contributions have shaped the club’s successes.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Journey to Manchester City
Before discussing the jersey number, let’s first look at Kevin De Bruyne’s career journey that led him to wear Manchester City’s iconic No. 17 shirt.
De Bruyne’s rise to prominence in the football world began in Belgium, where he played for Genk, helping the team win the Belgian Pro League. His breakthrough performances at Genk caught the attention of European giants, and in 2012, he moved to Chelsea. However, De Bruyne struggled to secure regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge, leading to loan spells at Werder Bremen in Germany, where his talent truly blossomed.
In 2014, after a stellar season at Werder Bremen, De Bruyne joined Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. There, he truly emerged as one of Europe’s top midfielders, helping Wolfsburg to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga and winning the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). His form earned him a move to Manchester City in 2015, with City securing his services for a reported £55 million—a then-club record.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Jersey Number at Manchester City: No. 17
When De Bruyne first arrived at Manchester City, he was handed the No. 17 jersey, a number that would become synonymous with his name over the years. While many top players wear the No. 10 jersey—often associated with attackers and playmakers—De Bruyne’s No. 17 shirt stood out. The number 17 became iconic because it represented not just the player, but also his style of play: dynamic, creative, and versatile.
The Significance of No. 17
The No. 17 jersey at Manchester City had previously been worn by some notable players, including Ali Benarbia, who was a key player for City in the early 2000s, and Nicolás Otamendi, the Argentine center-back. However, De Bruyne’s tenure wearing the No. 17 shirt took the number to new heights.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key players who wore the No. 17 jersey at Manchester City:
| Player | Years Played | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Benarbia | 2003–2005 | Midfielder | Helped City achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2003 |
| Nicolás Otamendi | 2015–2020 | Defender | 2 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 EFL Cup |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 2015–Present | Midfielder | 5 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 FA Cups |
While Ali Benarbia had a brief but impactful stint at City, it was Nicolás Otamendi’s time as a defender wearing No. 17 that laid the foundation for De Bruyne to become the main figure in the jersey.
De Bruyne’s association with No. 17 has brought even greater prestige to the number, as he became one of Manchester City’s most influential and recognizable players in the club’s modern era.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Impact on Manchester City
De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City has been marked by consistent excellence, both in terms of individual performances and the team’s success. As of December 2024, he has helped transform Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in Europe, both in domestic and international competitions.
De Bruyne’s Career Statistics at Manchester City
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | 41 | 7 | 9 | 1 EFL Cup |
| 2016/2017 | 49 | 6 | 18 | 1 Premier League title, 1 EFL Cup |
| 2017/2018 | 48 | 8 | 16 | 1 Premier League title, 1 FA Cup |
| 2018/2019 | 37 | 6 | 16 | 2 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 EFL Cup |
| 2019/2020 | 46 | 13 | 23 | 1 Premier League title, 1 FA Cup, 1 EFL Cup |
| 2020/2021 | 43 | 6 | 12 | 1 Premier League title, 1 EFL Cup |
| 2021/2022 | 45 | 15 | 8 | 1 Premier League title, 1 FA Cup |
| 2022/2023 | 42 | 8 | 16 | 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Premier League title, 1 FA Cup |
| Total | 390 | 69 | 98 | 5 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 EFL Cups |
As the table demonstrates, Kevin De Bruyne’s statistics at Manchester City are a testament to his consistency and elite-level playmaking ability. His assists alone highlight his importance in setting up goals for his teammates, and his contributions in terms of goals have made him a threat in attack.
De Bruyne and Manchester City’s Dominance
De Bruyne’s presence on the field has been central to Manchester City’s tactical approach. His ability to create chances from deep positions, pick out passes over long distances, and link play between the defense and attack has been pivotal in the team’s success under manager Pep Guardiola.
Key Achievements with Manchester City
Some of Kevin De Bruyne’s most notable individual and team achievements include:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Premier League Titles | 5 (2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2023/2024) |
| UEFA Champions League | 1 (2022/2023) |
| FA Cups | 2 (2018/2019, 2022/2023) |
| EFL Cups | 2 (2015/2016, 2018/2019) |
| PFA Players’ Player of the Year | 2 (2019/2020, 2021/2022) |
| Premier League Playmaker of the Season | 3 (2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2020/2021) |
| Manchester City Player of the Year | Multiple (including 2019 and 2021) |
The Legacy of No. 17
Kevin De Bruyne’s impact on Manchester City is undeniable. He has elevated the No. 17 shirt to legendary status, becoming a symbol of the club’s golden era. His vision, passing range, and technical brilliance have helped define Manchester City’s style of play under Pep Guardiola. The No. 17 jersey will always be associated with De Bruyne’s contribution to the club’s successes, both in domestic and European competitions.
As De Bruyne continues to perform at the highest level, he solidifies his place as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. While jersey numbers can often be a trivial detail, for Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City fans, No. 17 represents a legacy of excellence that will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s No. 17 jersey at Manchester City is not just a number, but a symbol of his importance to the club. From his incredible assist tally to his leadership on and off the pitch, De Bruyne has become synonymous with Manchester City’s success in the modern footballing era. His consistency, vision, and ability to turn a game on its head have made him an indispensable part of the team, and his jersey number will forever be tied to his legacy as one of the best midfielders in the world.