A force to be reckoned with, Kevin De Bruyne has carved his name in the annals of football history with his awe-inspiring performances on the field. This Belgian maestro has not only made an impact in club football but has also stolen the hearts of millions as a key player for the Belgian national team.
From jaw-dropping assists to stunning goals, De Bruyne has time and again showcased his incredible skills on the pitch. In this article, we delve deeper into Kevin De Bruyne’s illustrious career with the Belgium national team, exploring his stats and achievements that have earned him a place among footballing greats.
Rising Star: Early Years and Breakthrough
De Bruyne’s journey with the Belgian national team began in 2010 when he made his senior debut against Finland at just 19 years old. He quickly gained attention as a promising young talent, making waves in both domestic leagues and international competitions. The versatile midfielder played a crucial role during Belgium’s Euro 2012 qualification campaign, scoring four goals and providing four assists.
His breakthrough performance came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he helped propel Belgium to the quarterfinals. With one goal and two assists under his belt during the tournament, De Bruyne demonstrated his remarkable vision and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His displays during the World Cup cemented his status as one of Europe’s most promising talents, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
The Belgian Magician: Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018
By Euro 2016, De Bruyne had established himself as one of Belgium’s most indispensable players. Although injury troubles limited his impact during the tournament, he still managed to deliver crucial contributions — providing three assists — before Belgium was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Despite the disappointing finish, De Bruyne’s performances further solidified his reputation as a world-class talent.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, De Bruyne truly shone, playing a pivotal role in Belgium’s historic third-place finish — their best-ever result in a World Cup. He scored one of the goals of the tournament with a thunderbolt strike against Brazil in the quarterfinals and provided two assists throughout the competition. His exceptional ability to dictate play, create chances, and deliver pinpoint passes earned him widespread acclaim and admiration from fans and pundits alike.
Record Breaker: Recent Performances, Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup
Recent years have witnessed Kevin De Bruyne reaching new heights with the Belgian national team. In 2019, he became Belgium’s top assist provider of all time, surpassing Enzo Scifo’s long-standing record. As of April 2023, De Bruyne boasts an impressive tally of 26 goals and 48 assists in 99 appearances for his country.
Despite missing the beginning of Euro 2020 due to injury, De Bruyne made a triumphant return against Denmark, providing an assist and scoring the winning goal within just 15 minutes of coming on as a substitute. Although Belgium was eliminated in the quarterfinals once again, De Bruyne’s contributions throughout the tournament demonstrated that he remains indispensable to his nation’s success.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Kevin De Bruyne and the Belgium national team face an unexpected and disappointing outcome. Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, the Red Devils found themselves eliminated in the group stage.
Throughout the group stage matches, De Bruyne showcased his extraordinary playmaking abilities, delivering pinpoint passes and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Yet, despite his individual efforts, the Belgian team struggled to capitalise on their chances and convert them into goals.
Following the international retirement of Eden Hazard, De Bruyne was announced as Belgium’s new captain on 21 March 2023.
Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s undeniable prowess on the football field has ensured that his name is eternally etched among the sport’s elite. Consistently delivering remarkable performances for Belgium, this midfield maestro has broken records and garnered a wealth of achievements throughout his career.
One of the key factors contributing to De Bruyne’s greatness is his ability to maintain a high level of performance year after year. His unwavering dedication to his craft has seen him evolve into an indispensable asset for both his club and country.
In spite of his already stellar accomplishments, De Bruyne shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to captivate fans with his visionary play and unparalleled creativity.
As the years go by, Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy continues to grow, solidifying his position as a true icon in the world of football. With each passing tournament, he further cements his status as a living legend, captivating audiences with his awe-inspiring skills and relentless pursuit of victory. For De Bruyne, the sky is truly the limit, and it will be thrilling to witness what new heights he will achieve in the years to come.
