Kevin De Bruyne’s final home appearance for Manchester City ended in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, as the club legend was honoured in an emotional send-off after a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium.
City surged into third place in the Premier League with 68 points, two ahead of Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, as the race for Champions League qualification reaches a tense climax. Bournemouth, meanwhile, saw their slim hopes of European football extinguished and remain in 11th place.
The match opened with intensity as City immediately asserted control. Omar Marmoush ignited the celebrations early, unleashing a thunderbolt from 30 yards that rocketed into the top-left corner in the 14th minute — a goal Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola described as “probably one of their best of the season.”
City doubled their lead in the 38th minute through Bernardo Silva, who calmly slotted home after Ilkay Gundogan’s smart cut-back. Nico Gonzalez added a third in the 89th minute, capping off a solo run with a clinical finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Though Daniel Jebbison netted a consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time after intercepting a poor pass from Ruben Dias, the night was firmly about the City captain.
In a moment of rare drama, both teams were reduced to ten men. City’s Mateo Kovacic received a red card in the 67th minute for dragging back Evanilson when he was through on goal. Six minutes later, Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook followed for a reckless lunge on Gonzalez.
The game also saw the long-awaited return of midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who came on late after missing eight months due to an ACL injury.
But all eyes were on De Bruyne. The 33-year-old received a hero’s ovation when substituted in the 69th minute, with chants of “Oh Kevin De Bruyne!” echoing around the stadium. Accompanied by his family post-match, he was honoured with a guard of honour and a massive “King Kev” banner unfurled by fans.
Reflecting on the night, De Bruyne said, “(It feels) a bit weird. It’s been an unbelievable ride… I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, creative — that is what I am on the pitch. I’m super proud.”
Despite a glaring miss in the first half — hitting the underside of the bar from point-blank range — De Bruyne took the moment in stride: “It’s terrible… My son is going to be very tough on me today,” he joked.
City confirmed that a statue will be erected in his honour outside the Etihad, immortalizing the Belgian playmaker who has lifted 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League crown.
Though disappointed not to be offered a new contract, De Bruyne expressed belief in his ability to continue playing at the top level: “A little bit (of shock), yes. But I still believe I can play in the Premier League.”
With his farewell game at the Etihad complete, De Bruyne leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history — a maestro whose creativity, vision, and leadership defined an era at Manchester City.
