Kevin De Bruyne Commits to Belgium Amid New Era Under Mark van Bommel
Kevin De Bruyne, the seasoned midfielder for Belgium and Napoli, has put an end to speculation about his international career. At 35 years old, De Bruyne has decided to keep representing Belgium, aiming for Euro 2028 as a possible conclusion to his journey with the national team.
After returning to training at the Tubize centre, De Bruyne revealed he never seriously thought about retiring after the recent World Cup, despite some senior teammates stepping away. With figures like Axel Witsel retired and Thibaut Courtois skipping the Nations League, De Bruyne remains motivated to continue.
Embracing the Challenge with Mark van Bommel
De Bruyne spoke positively about meeting the new head coach Mark van Bommel. Although he didn’t know Van Bommel well before, their first conversation in Naples impressed him. De Bruyne appreciated Van Bommel’s straightforward approach, describing him as a "typical Dutchman" who is clear and direct—qualities that match De Bruyne’s own style on the field.
"Van Bommel asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I was here to help him," said De Bruyne. "That suits me well, just someone who says it like it is."
Motivation from Teammates and Physical Fitness
One big factor in De Bruyne’s decision to stay is the encouragement from his teammates. The younger players in the squad have urged him to remain a part of the team, which gives him extra energy. Plus, he’s surprised himself with how fit he still feels, regularly playing full matches for Napoli.
"Many players asked me to stay with the Red Devils after the World Cup. That gives me energy," De Bruyne explained. "As long as I have that motivation, why shouldn’t I keep going? Pushing your limits every day and trying to play as well as possible."
Leadership During a Team Transition
De Bruyne is aware that Belgium is in a transitional phase. With many experienced players retiring or stepping back, he wants to make sure younger members step up gradually. The 124-time international aims to guide the next generation through upcoming Nations League games against France, Italy, and Turkey.
"I wouldn’t want the younger players to suddenly experience a shock when we retire," he said. "They need to feel now what it is like to carry a team."
- Match: UEFA Nations League A
- Fixture: Italy vs Belgium
- Date: 25 Sept 2026
- Time: 21:45
