Kevin De Bruyne: Age, Wife, Net Worth & Napoli Move

Few footballers have redefined a position quite like Kevin De Bruyne. After a decade of dominance at Manchester City, the Belgian midfielder made a surprising move to Napoli in 2025, and then suffered a serious thigh injury that raised questions about his future.

Age: 35 (born 28 June 1991) ·
Current Club: SSC Napoli ·
Position: Attacking Midfielder ·
Market Value: €8.00m (Transfermarkt, 2025) ·
Premier League Assists: 119 ·
National Team: Belgium

The stats below confirm De Bruyne’s standing as one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

Is Kevin De Bruyne Currently Injured?

What injury did De Bruyne suffer in 2024?

• In August 2024, De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several months (BBC Sport).
• He returned to training in early 2025 and played limited minutes before the season ended.

How did the injury affect his performance?

The hamstring issue limited his appearances in his final months at Manchester City. Official Napoli medical reports later confirmed he was fully fit for the 2025-26 season, but the setback contributed to his reduced role in the 2024-25 campaign.

Is he fit for Napoli?

By late October 2025, De Bruyne suffered a serious thigh injury while taking a penalty in Napoli’s match against Inter Milan (Reuters). Napoli confirmed the injury was to the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh (ESPN). He underwent successful surgery in Antwerp on October 29, 2025, and began rehabilitation in Belgium.

The implication: De Bruyne’s availability for the remainder of the 2025-26 season is uncertain. Napoli’s sporting director has not given a return date, and the club is preparing to play without him for several months.

Who Is Kevin De Bruyne’s Wife?

Who is Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele?

Kevin De Bruyne is married to Michele Lacroix, whom he met in high school in Belgium. She has been a constant presence throughout his career, from Genk to Manchester City and now Napoli.

When did they get married?

The couple married in 2017 in a private ceremony. Multiple Belgian tabloids covered the wedding, confirming the date and location.

Does he have children?

De Bruyne and Lacroix have three children: two sons and a daughter. The family relocated to Naples following his transfer in 2025.

The pattern: De Bruyne’s personal stability — a long-term marriage, young children, and a willingness to relocate — contrasts with the typical image of a veteran footballer winding down in a less competitive league. He chose Napoli over offers from MLS and other European clubs precisely because he wanted to keep competing at the highest level.

How Old Is Kevin De Bruyne and What Are His Career Achievements?

When was Kevin De Bruyne born?

Born 28 June 1991 in Drongen, Belgium (Premier League official site). He is 35 years old as of 2025.

What clubs has he played for?

• Genk (2008-2012)
• Chelsea (2012-2014)
• Wolfsburg (2014-2015)
• Manchester City (2015-2025)
• Napoli (2025–)

What are his top records at Manchester City?

At Manchester City, De Bruyne won 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, and 1 UEFA Champions League (2023). He holds the record for most Premier League assists by a midfielder (119) and was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2019-20 and 2021-22.

His trophy haul underscores his impact at the club.

The catch: Despite being widely considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, De Bruyne has never won the Ballon d’Or. He finished in the top 10 multiple times but never higher than 3rd (2022).

Has Kevin De Bruyne Retired or Is He Considering Retirement?

Has Kevin De Bruyne announced retirement?

No. De Bruyne has not announced retirement. He signed a 2-year contract with Napoli in July 2025 with an option for a third year (Goal).

What did he say about his future?

In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, De Bruyne said: “I feel good. I don’t think about retirement yet. I want to play as long as my body allows.” After joining Napoli, he told the club’s media: “I’m excited for a new challenge. Napoli is a special club with amazing fans.”

What is his contract with Napoli?

Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna confirmed the club sees him as a key player for the upcoming campaign. The contract runs until 2027 with an option for an additional year, suggesting both parties expect at least two more seasons of top-level football.

Why this matters: De Bruyne’s decision to join a Champions League club rather than a retirement league (MLS, Saudi Arabia) signals he believes he can still compete at the elite level. The injury is a test of that belief.

What Is Kevin De Bruyne’s Net Worth and His Move to Napoli?

What is Kevin De Bruyne’s net worth?

Estimated net worth: $70-80 million (Forbes, 2024), including endorsements with Nike, EA Sports, and other brands. Exact figures are not publicly verified.

How much did Napoli pay for him?

De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer after his Manchester City contract expired. The reported transfer fee was €15 million plus add-ons (Transfermarkt), though as a free agent, this likely refers to a signing bonus and agent fees rather than a traditional transfer fee.

What is his salary at Napoli?

Weekly salary at Napoli: Approximately €200,000 net (Gazzetta dello Sport). This represents a significant pay cut from his estimated £400,000-per-week wages at Manchester City.

The trade-off: De Bruyne accepted a lower salary to join a Champions League club and live in Italy. For Napoli, signing a player of his caliber on a free transfer — even with a high wage — is a calculated risk that could pay off in merchandising, ticket sales, and on-pitch performance.

Career Timeline

• 28 June 1991: Born in Drongen, Belgium.
• 2008: Professional debut for Genk.
• 2012: Signed for Chelsea, loaned to Genk and Werder Bremen.
• 2014: Moved to VfL Wolfsburg.
• 2015: Transferred to Manchester City for £55 million.
• 2023: Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester City.
• August 2024: Sustained hamstring injury, out for 4 months.
• July 2025: Signed for SSC Napoli on a 2-year contract.
• October 2025: Thigh injury during Napoli vs Inter Milan, successful surgery.

Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear

Key Quotes

“I’m excited for a new challenge. Napoli is a special club with amazing fans.”

— Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli club interview, July 2025

“Kevin brings experience and quality. He will be a leader in our midfield.”

— Giovanni Manna, Napoli Sporting Director

“I feel good. I don’t think about retirement yet. I want to play as long as my body allows.”

— Kevin De Bruyne, The Guardian, 2024

For Napoli fans hoping for a midfield revival, the calculation is straightforward: De Bruyne’s quality is unquestioned, but his body has now failed him twice in two seasons. The club invested in a two-year deal expecting a leader and creator. Whether they get one depends entirely on how his thigh recovers — and whether a 35-year-old body can withstand the demands of Serie A and Champions League football.

For the latest on his move to Serie A, check out this detailed Napoli transfer and injury update covering his career stats and recovery timeline.

Frequently asked questions