Kevin De Bruyne Inspires Man City to 5-2 Win Over Crystal Palace, Wins Man of the Match
Kevin De Bruyne rolled back the years with a sensational performance as Manchester City came from 2-0 down to thrash Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium today. The Belgian midfield maestro, who recently announced on his official X page that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, reminded fans why he’s often hailed as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
Midfield Masterclass in a Comeback Win
City were in early trouble, conceding two quick goals, but De Bruyne ignited the comeback with a stunning free-kick that curled past the Palace wall and into the net. He then assisted Mateo Kovacic with a clever through ball, allowing City to draw level before halftime.
In the second half, De Bruyne’s influence was undeniable — his vision and link-up play indirectly led to goals from Marmoush, McAtee, and O’Reilly. He was subbed off in the 87th minute to a standing ovation, capping off a performance that earned him the Man of the Match award with one goal and one assist.
Legacy of a Modern-Day Great
De Bruyne’s departure will mark the end of a glittering chapter at Manchester City. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, he has been the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side. His trophy haul includes:
5 Premier League titles (2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23)
1 UEFA Champions League (2022–23)
2 FA Cups
5 EFL Cups (Carabao Cups)
1 FIFA Club World Cup
1 UEFA Super Cup
Individual Accolades
Kevin De Bruyne is not just decorated with team trophies. His individual brilliance has been widely recognized, including:
2x PFA Player of the Year (2020, 2022)
4x Manchester City Player of the Season
Premier League Playmaker of the Season (3 times)
UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season (multiple times)
FIFA FIFPro World XI appearances
What's next
Speaking after the match, De Bruyne confirmed that while he’s leaving Manchester City, he has no plans to retire. “My time at City has been the best years of my career,” he said. “But I still have more to give. I’ll continue playing — where, we’ll see.”
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