Manchester City to Honor Kevin De Bruyne with Statue Outside Etihad Stadium
In a fitting tribute to one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Manchester City have confirmed plans to erect a statue of Kevin De Bruyne outside the Etihad Stadium. The announcement, which has sent waves of excitement through the club’s fanbase, underscores the Belgian maestro’s extraordinary contributions to the club’s success over the past decade. The statue will immortalize De Bruyne’s legacy, placing him alongside other City icons like David Silva, Sergio Agüero, and Vincent Kompany, who have also been honored with statues at the stadium.
A Legacy Cast in Bronze
Kevin De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest-ever players, has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s dominance under manager Pep Guardiola. Since joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-club-record fee of £55 million, De Bruyne has redefined the art of midfield play. His vision, precision passing, and ability to deliver in clutch moments have helped City secure six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shields during his tenure.
The decision to honor De Bruyne with a statue reflects his transformative impact on the club. Known for his ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint crosses, thunderous long-range strikes, and an unmatched footballing IQ, De Bruyne has consistently delivered moments of magic that have left fans in awe. From his iconic assist for Sergio Agüero’s title-winning goal against QPR in 2012 (in his later City years, of course) to his masterful performances in the 2022-23 Champions League triumph, De Bruyne’s highlight reel is a testament to his greatness.
A club statement released on May 21, 2025, read: “Manchester City is proud to announce that a statue of Kevin De Bruyne will be erected outside the Etihad Stadium. Kevin’s contributions to this club, both on and off the pitch, have been nothing short of extraordinary. This statue will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy and a symbol of the joy he has brought to our supporters.”
Fan Reaction and De Bruyne’s Impact
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support and nostalgia from Manchester City fans on social media platforms like X. Supporters have flooded the platform with their favorite De Bruyne moments, from his audacious 30-yard screamer against Newcastle United to his inch-perfect assist for Erling Haaland’s goal in the 2023 Champions League final. One fan posted, “KDB deserves this and more. The man who made passing an art form. Can’t wait to see the statue!” Another wrote, “From Wolfsburg’s diamond to City’s king. De Bruyne’s statue is going to look class outside the Etihad.”
De Bruyne’s influence extends beyond his on-pitch heroics. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the club have made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans alike. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, the 33-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, with his 2024-25 campaign already yielding five goals and 12 assists in just 15 Premier League matches, according to the latest stats circulating on X.
Statue Details and Unveiling
While Manchester City have confirmed the statue, specific details about its design and unveiling date remain under wraps. Sources close to the club suggest that the statue will capture De Bruyne in a dynamic pose, possibly mid-pass or celebrating one of his iconic goals. The artwork is expected to be crafted by a renowned sculptor, following the high standards set by the existing statues of Silva, Agüero, and Kompany, which have become iconic landmarks around the Etihad.
Fans are speculating that the unveiling could coincide with a significant home match in the 2025-26 season, potentially against a rival like Manchester United or Liverpool, to maximize the occasion’s impact. However, no official confirmation has been provided, and posts on X indicate that the club is keeping details tightly guarded to build anticipation.
A Fitting Tribute to a Modern Great
The decision to immortalize Kevin De Bruyne in bronze is a testament to his status as one of Manchester City’s all-time greats. With over 400 appearances, 100+ goals, and nearly 200 assists for the club (as per recent fan-compiled stats on X), De Bruyne’s numbers only tell part of the story. His ability to dictate games, inspire teammates, and deliver under pressure has made him the heartbeat of City’s golden era.
As the Etihad prepares to welcome its newest statue, fans will no doubt reflect on the countless memories De Bruyne has provided. Whether it’s his audacious lob against Arsenal, his title-defining assists, or his relentless drive to win, De Bruyne’s legacy is secure. The statue will not only celebrate his past achievements but also serve as a reminder of the magic he continues to bring to the pitch.
For now, Manchester City supporters eagerly await the unveiling, ready to pay homage to their midfield maestro. As one X post succinctly put it: “Kevin De Bruyne, the architect of dreams. Statue fully deserved.”
