Kevin De Bruyne likely to miss Club World Cup amid Manchester City exit

De Bruyne prioritizes injury avoidance as Manchester City future remains unresolved ahead of Club World Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City in action during the Emirates FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on May 17, 2025. Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Amanda Zahra

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he will likely skip Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign this summer, citing the risk of injury as he navigates the final weeks of his tenure with the club. The 33-year-old midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has made it clear that participating in the tournament could jeopardize his hopes of securing a new deal elsewhere.

The Club World Cup, scheduled to kick off in June, provides teams like Manchester City with an additional FIFA-sanctioned registration window. This mechanism technically allows players nearing contract expiry—such as De Bruyne—to be temporarily re-registered to feature in the tournament. Manchester City’s first match in the competition will be against Morocco’s Wydad AC on June 18 in Philadelphia.

However, De Bruyne is reluctant to take part under those terms. In comments made after the FA Cup final, he emphasized the importance of managing his fitness and avoiding injury during a crucial period of transition in his career.

“It does not make any sense. But that happens when you push in new tournaments in the middle of a contract situation,” De Bruyne said. “I have to take care of myself, because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do? Nobody's going to take care of me at that point, so there's a big chance I probably won't play it, but I don't know, maybe yes.”

A glittering decade nearing its end

Since arriving at Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has become one of the Premier League's most influential midfielders. His resume includes six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and multiple domestic cup triumphs. Yet his final moments in a City shirt could already be behind him.

Saturday's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley may have marked the Belgian international’s last significant appearance for the club. City’s disappointing performance capped off a season that fell short of their usual dominance, with De Bruyne admitting it had not lived up to expectations.

“Of course it's not been the season we wanted. We want to win all the time, but this season we have not done it,” he said. “You have to take it on the chin, and sometimes it doesn't go the way that you want to, but we tried, and you have to move on.”

Future unclear, but not ruling out Premier League stay

De Bruyne has kept the door open for a potential move to another Premier League side, although his next destination remains undecided. He acknowledged that his decision must now factor in family considerations, a contrast to the autonomy he had earlier in his career.

“I don't know. It depends who comes,” he said when asked about remaining in England. “I have a family, I have young kids, I have to take care of a decision that suits everybody, not just me. When I was 20 years old and by myself, I could make a decision that was very easy, but now it's a bit more complex.”

While he has already had discussions with prospective clubs, De Bruyne has not committed to a timeline for announcing his next move. However, he did not deny that talks are ongoing and acknowledged that a Premier League return could still be on the table.

“Maybe,” he responded when pressed again on the possibility of staying in the English top flight.

Injury history plays a role in cautious approach

De Bruyne’s recent seasons have been disrupted by recurring injuries, casting a shadow over the latter half of his Manchester City career. Those physical setbacks, along with his age, have likely contributed to the club’s decision not to pursue an extension.

Guardiola, who once described De Bruyne as “undroppable,” has had to manage his minutes carefully, particularly in high-stakes matches. In the FA Cup final, De Bruyne’s performance lacked the sharpness and creativity that once defined him—further underlining his physical struggles.

Given this history, it’s understandable that the Belgian would be hesitant to expose himself to further risk in a tournament that lies outside his contractual obligations. The Club World Cup, while prestigious, represents a precarious grey area for players at the end of their contracts.

Manchester City still chasing Champions League spot

Although the domestic season has not gone according to plan, Manchester City are still battling for a spot in next season’s Champions League. They will face Bournemouth at home on Tuesday before concluding the Premier League campaign with a trip to Fulham on May 25.

A top-five finish would guarantee City a place in the revamped Champions League format, and De Bruyne remains hopeful that the team can end the campaign on a high. Despite his uncertain involvement in upcoming fixtures, his leadership and experience continue to be valued in the dressing room.

Reflecting on a legacy of success

As his time with Manchester City draws to a close, De Bruyne has been reflective about the legacy he leaves behind. Despite the disappointments of the current campaign, he takes pride in the club’s unprecedented run of success over the past decade.

“I think comparing to a lot of players, I've won way more than others, so I will be forever happy and grateful for what we have done as a team, what they have given me,” he said.

Whether or not De Bruyne dons the City shirt again, his influence on the club’s modern era is indelible. With his name etched in Premier League history and his departure looming, the next chapter in his career will be closely watched—starting with his decision to forgo the Club World Cup for the sake of his long-term future.