Kevin De Bruyne Aims for Glorious Exit in Manchester City’s FA Cup Final

 Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, is poised to bid farewell to the club in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025, seeking a triumphant end to his illustrious tenure, as confirmed by sources close to the player on May 15. The match offers a chance to salvage a challenging season for the Premier League giants.

De Bruyne, 33, joined City in 2015 for £55 million, winning 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, and a Champions League, with 112 goals and 171 assists in 382 appearances. His contract expires in July 2025, and talks for an extension stalled, with Saudi club Al-Nassr offering a $30 million annual deal. City’s 2024-25 season, marred by a sixth-place league standing and early exits in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, has intensified De Bruyne’s desire for a final trophy. He missed 10 matches due to a hamstring injury but has contributed 7 goals and 12 assists in 20 starts.

City’s 115 financial breach charges, unresolved since 2023, cast a shadow, with potential sanctions risking a points deduction. Pep Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2026, has urged fans to rally at Wembley, expecting 40,000 supporters. De Bruyne’s 90% pass completion rate and 3.2 key passes per game remain vital, but a 15% dip in sprint speed signals physical decline.