Kevin De Bruyne, the former Manchester City star, endured heartbreak during his much-anticipated return to the Etihad Stadium. Representing Napoli in a UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase clash, the 34-year-old Belgian midfielder was substituted just 26 minutes into the game — leaving fans stunned.
What Happened During the Match?
De Bruyne’s return to Manchester was one of the standout storylines of the night. Supporters were eager to see him face his former club, where he spent a decade and became one of the greatest players in City’s history. But the reunion was cut short when manager Antonio Conte made the surprise decision to take him off in the first half.
Initially, many feared the substitution was due to yet another injury setback, something that has plagued De Bruyne’s career in recent seasons. However, it was soon confirmed that the decision had nothing to do with fitness.
The turning point came when Giovanni Di Lorenzo was shown a straight red card early in the game. Suddenly down to ten men, Conte was forced into a tactical reshuffle. To protect his side against City’s relentless attack, the manager sacrificed De Bruyne in favor of strengthening his midfield and defensive lines.
Tactical Decision
Conte’s move, though harsh, was pragmatic. He needed to contain Manchester City’s attacking threats, protect the defensive lines, and make sure Napoli were not overwhelmed. De Bruyne, usually central to Napoli’s creativity, was the player who made way.
The emotional aspect of this decision was unmistakable. As De Bruyne left the pitch, the Etihad audience rose in tribute to his legacy. Applause met his exit — a reminder of his vast impact at Manchester City, and how deeply the fans still revere him.